South West London Urgent Dental Care

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 service 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 service 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, and this was reflected in our findings. Improvements were required to ensure that the service co-ordinated with the landlord of the property, to assure themselves that recommendations from different risk assessments carried out by the landlord had been actioned. 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. The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. 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. The service had systems for appropriate and safe handling of medicines. Improvements could be made to ensure there were systems in place to effectively track and monitor the use of prescription pads. Antimicrobial prescribing audits were carried out and the results were used to identify areas of learning and drive improvement.

The service had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff. Agency or locum staff were rarely used. The service had a large team of longstanding dentists and dental nurses. Newly appointed staff had an appropriate role specific structured induction. The service ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover. Staff we spoke with had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children. Improvements could be made to ensure that contact details for safeguarding referrals were readily accessible to all staff.

The service had arrangements to ensure staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. Not all staff had completed training to support autistic people and people with a learning disability. Following our assessment the provider assured us this training would be completed. There were effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during annual appraisals, 1-to-1 meetings and ongoing informal discussions. In addition, the service had implemented a peer mentoring system, where senior dentists observed junior dentists, which had been well received by staff. One staff member told us, “The diversity in the team helps me see different approaches to patient care, and every shift offers new opportunities to grow. The environment encourages collaboration and learning, which is key for staying engaged and developing professionally.” We received feedback from 27 staff members. Staff stated they felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work for the service. They told us that staff had regular online meetings, so all staff members could attend. The service had responded to staff feedback and organised scenario training on how to best deal with aggressive or violent patients and staff were offered personal alarms.

The service had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance. 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. We saw, and staff confirmed that single use items were not reprocessed. The service had effective procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems. Improvements were required to ensure that the service collaborated with the landlord to ensure that the recommendations from the Legionella risk assessment had been actioned and to ensure appropriate action was taken when water temperatures did not reach the required parameters. The service 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. Infection prevention and control audits were completed in line with current guidance.

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