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Compliance problems in dental infection prevention and control in England: an analysis of Care Quality Commission inspections between 2016 and 2019

British Dental Journal volume 231, pages 467–470 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Introduction All dental practices in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC inspects approximately 10% of practices each year to ensure premises are safe. Compliance with infection prevention and control is assessed during inspections.

Aims The aim of this study was to identify common areas of non-compliance in infection prevention and control within general dental practice in England.

Materials and methods The CQC inspection reports, for all practices found not safe following an inspection, were thematically analysed for non-compliance specifically in infection prevention and control.

Results Between April 2016 and March 2019, 88 practices were deemed not safe. The most common areas of non-compliance were the management of risks associated with legionella, audit and the validation of decontamination equipment.

Discussion Infection prevention and control compliance requires good management and leadership. Other factors are also thought to influence compliance including cost and morality.

Conclusions Identification of recurrent infection prevention and control compliance issues highlights relevant areas to all CQC dental registrants that merit greater focus.

Key points

  • Helps practices in England prepare for future Care Quality Commission inspections.

  • Identifies the most common areas of infection prevention and control that practices need improvement in.

  • Discusses the role of management and leadership in meeting safety standards.

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Acknowledgements

Thanks to Christopher Warren for his Excel programming assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bramcote Dental Practice, Woodcock Street, Castle Cary, BA7 7BJ, UK

    Nikolai Stankiewicz

  2. Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care Directorate, London, SW1W 9SZ, UK

    Gavin Wilson

Authors
  1. Nikolai Stankiewicz
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  2. Gavin Wilson
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nikolai Stankiewicz.

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The authors are employees of the Care Quality Commission.

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Stankiewicz, N., Wilson, G. Compliance problems in dental infection prevention and control in England: an analysis of Care Quality Commission inspections between 2016 and 2019. Br Dent J 231, 467–470 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-3525-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-3525-7

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