71 Dental

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We found this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The practice had processes to identify and manage risks and staff we spoke with were able to describe these to us. Staff felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice, and this was reflected in our findings.

Emergency equipment and medicines were available and checked in accordance with national guidance. Staff could access these in a timely way. Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year, and were encouraged to participate in medical emergency scenario training.

The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. The practice had risk assessments for hazardous substances.

We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions.

The management of fire safety was effective, and fire exits were clear and well signposted. Staff participated in fire drills. We highlighted the names of participants should be documented and we were assured this would be actioned.

The practice had systems for appropriate and safe handling of medicines. Antimicrobial prescribing audits were carried out.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff. However, the practice should ensure accurate, complete and detailed records are maintained for all staff. We highlighted some gaps in the staff files including no documented references for some staff members, and where Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks had not been carried out at the point of employment. There was also no evidence of the effectiveness of the Hepatitis B vaccination for 2 members of staff. Satisfactory evidence of vaccination was obtained and sent immediately after the assessment along with evidence that DBS checks had since been actioned.

The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover.

Newly appointed staff had an appropriate role specific structured induction.

Staff we spoke with had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were sufficient staffing levels.

Staff received training and demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew how to identify adults and children at risk of significant harm and worked with other agencies to protect them. A member of staff had received training and support to be the practice safeguarding champion. They had created tools and resources to identify vulnerable patients and follow-up where they were not brought to appointments. They had also forged links with the hospital and community safeguarding teams to identify and act where patients referred for hospital or community dental care were not brought to their appointments. They were given dedicated time every week to quickly and proactively identify anyone who needed follow-up, or discussing with the practice safeguarding lead.

There were systems for obtaining evidence that staff completed appropriate training and continuing professional development relevant to their roles.

There were effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. They had protected time to ensure they could fulfil these roles effectively. Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during annual appraisals, 1-to-1 meetings, during clinical supervision, practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions.

The practice funded a dentist mentor to support their ongoing development and wellbeing, who also provided mental health support and counselling resources for the team. Staff stated they felt empowered, respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in the practice.

The practice had appointed an infection prevention and control lead to oversee and maintain standards. The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance, and we saw these were consistently followed.

Staff received appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes.

We observed use of personal protective equipment and the decontamination of used dental instruments, which aligned with national guidance.

Sharps risk assessments, and processes for staff to report any sharps injuries and obtain occupational health advice and follow-up were in place to support them. We saw, and staff confirmed that single-use items were not reprocessed.

The practice had effective procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment.

The practice had protocols to ensure effective cleaning and safe segregation and disposal of hazardous waste.

The equipment in use was maintained and serviced as per manufacturers’ instructions.

The practice completed infection prevention and control audits in line with current guidance.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.