Updated 16 June 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 23 May 2023 under section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions.
We planned the inspection to check whether the registered practice was meeting the legal requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations.
The inspection was led by a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspector who was supported by a specialist dental advisor.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 questions:
- Is it safe?
- Is it effective?
- Is it caring?
- Is it responsive to people’s needs?
- Is it well-led?
These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.
Our findings were:
- The dental clinic appeared clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
- Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
- The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
- Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
- The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved, supported and worked as a team.
- Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
- Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
- The practice had information governance arrangements.
Background
Kings Road Dental Practice is in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is a portable ramp for access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. There is a car park for patients at the rear of the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes the principal dentist, 12 associate dentists including a specialist in periodontics, 7 qualified dental nurses, 3 trainee dental nurses, 4 dental hygienists, 1 orthodontic therapist, 1 practice manager and 3 receptionists. In addition, a sedationist attends the practice to provide intravenous sedation for patients. The practice has 5 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, 3 associate dentists, 2 dental nurses, 2 receptionists, and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 8am to 5.30pm
Tuesday from 8am to 7pm
Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability by using digital X-ray systems to reduce the amount of radiation released into the environment, using digitalised patient care records and energy efficient lighting.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry, and take action to ensure audits of radiography are undertaken at regular intervals to improve the quality of the service.
- Improve the practice's protocols for medicines management and ensure all medicines are stored and dispensed of safely and securely.