All inspections: Sensura Dental Care - Care Quality Commission

We carried out this on-site announced assessment on 15 August 2024. We found the practice had not met all the regulations. We found shortfalls in appropriately assessing and mitigating risks in relation fire safety management, equipment and premises, hazardous substances, infection prevention and control and waste management. Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation. Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance. Patients were treated with dignity and respect. At the time of our assessment, patients could access care, support and treatment when required. There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. The practice is in Windsor, Berkshire and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. At the time of our assessment, the dental team included 4 dentists, 4 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 3 receptionists, a treatment coordinator and a practice manager who is also a nurse. The practice had 4 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 1 dentist, 1 dental nurse, 1 dental hygienist, 1 receptionist and the practice manager.

We undertook this inspection to ensure improvements to hygiene and infection control were made since our last inspection on 22 January 2014. At our last inspection we found risks related to the decontamination of dental instruments. We also checked that equipment was safe and effective due to concerns reported to us regarding x-ray machinery and other equipment. We spoke with the registered manager, two dental nurses, two dentists and a consultant who was working with the service during our inspection. We did not need to speak with patients during this inspection. We visited with a specialist adviser with expertise in dentistry to assist in checking that x-rays were undertaken safely and effectively.

During this inspection we found that changes had been made to the decontamination process for dental instruments to ensure the risk of cross-contamination between sterile and non-sterile instruments was minimised. New checking processes were in place to make sure that the premises were hygienic. Staff were aware of their roles in protecting patients and others from the risks of infection.

We found the service was compliant with regulations known as Ionising Regulations in relation to Medical Exposure Regulations 2000 or more commonly known as the IR(ME) Regulations 2000. X-ray equipment was safe to use and worked properly. Medical equipment was stored appropriately and was within their expiry dates.

Patients told us they were informed about their dental and oral health and provided with treatment options. A patient told us that during their consultation the dentist "chatted and went through what I had wrong in depth". Patients we spoke with were satisfied with the dental care they received from the practice. One patient said "My dentist is excellent."

Patients told us they found the practice was always clean. They said staff wore protective equipment and gloves when treating them. We saw staff wore appropriate protective equipment when decontaminating dental instruments. We saw daily cleaning check sheets for treatment rooms were completed by staff. However, we found the practice did not always follow appropriate hygiene and infection control guidance.

Staff undertook appropriate professional development training to meet the requirements of their governing body.

Sensura Dental Care

All Inspections

During an assessment under our new approach

24 June 2014

During an inspection looking at part of the service

22 January 2014

During a routine inspection