Did you know that the CQC publish a number of ‘mythbusters’ designed to clarify exactly what they are looking for when they inspect dental practices? They debunk some popular myths, and many of them highlight the importance of compliance with policies, procedures, and training. In this article we look at the ‘Well-led key question.

Here at FPM, we take compliance very seriously for all of our clients, and our market-leading compliance software FPM Core exists to make life easier for dental professionals when storing and managing policies and procedures.

When it comes to CQC inspections, there are often misconceptions about what is actually required, and why.

There are 4 myths that the CQC lists under the "Well-led" key question. Awareness of these issues can be help to improve compliance management when it comes to policies and procedures. 

Dental mythbuster 16: Business continuity plans in primary care dental services

Although there is no regulatory requirement for primary care dental practices to have a business continuity plan in place, it is good practice so inspectors may ask about it on inspection. The plan should include up–to–date emergency contact numbers for staff. Information within the plan must be accessible off-site. In addition, practices (providers) are legally required to inform us when there is a disruption to a service that may temporarily prevent them from delivering the regulated activity.

Dental mythbuster 19: Staff recruitment

Providers should have safe recruitment procedures to ensure that all staff are suitably qualified and able to carry out their role. We’ll look at recruitment procedures when reviewing the safe and well-led key questions. The recruitment checks required are stated in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 (Schedule 3). You must also consider whether someone is eligible to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The need for a DBS check is based on the level of contact that staff have with patients. This is particularly the case with children and vulnerable adults. 

Dental mythbuster 22: CCTV in dental practices. 

CCTV can enhance safety and security, but must be used appropriately and meet data security requirements. We will consider data protection and CCTV in a dental practice when we review the well-led key question. This relates to Regulation 17 (good governance). If practices are using CCTV equipment, it is essential they have governance arrangements in place that satisfy the Data Protection Act 2018.

Dental mythbuster 32: Wellbeing of dentists and the dental team. 

The General Dental Council (GDC) is clear that the interests of patients must come first. This can make dentists anxious about whether their professional behaviour might come under scrutiny. At the same time, opportunities to seek support and guidance may not be obvious. Society is becoming more litigious. This too can create anxiety for dental professionals. Dentists may feel professionally isolated even in a large dental practice. It is important to form positive, helpful relationships with colleagues for mutual support.

You can read the full list of mythbusters here.

FPM support professionals in the dental sector in the following ways:

• Compliance software – discover our market-leading compliance platform FPM Core today
• Recruitment – for filling key roles at your organisation, let FPM take charge and manage the process for you
• HR – for all your employment-related queries
• Training – our Thornfields primary care experts can help you and your staff upskill and be ready for whatever the future brings