During an assessment under our new approach
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
Recruitment procedures did not always reflect current legislation.
The practice risk management system needed strengthening to ensure all risks were safely and effectively managed.
Governance arrangements were not always effective, and the culture for continuous improvement needed to be improved.
Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance although improvement was needed to the recording of information in patient care records.
Infection control procedures in place were effective.
Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our assessment, could access care, support and treatment when required.
Paragondental is in Radlett, Hertfordshire and provides predominantly private dental care and treatment for adults and children. In addition, they have a small NHS contract used to provide dental care for children only.
The practice is situated on the first floor and is not wheelchair accessible. Car parking spaces were available near the practice.
The practice had 3 treatment rooms, one of which was not used at the time of our assessment. At the time of our assessment, there was a total of 7 staff, of which there were the principal dentist, 3 dental nurses, 2 dental hygienists and 1 receptionist. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our assessment, including the principal dentist, 2 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist and the receptionist.
The service provides cosmetic treatments which are not in scope of CQC regulation and are not covered in our assessment.
The provider was not complying with Regulation 17 Good governance. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the assessment findings below.
We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.