UK-wide dental defence organisation MDDUS would like to draw all Scottish dentists’ attention to the Combined Practice Inspection (CPI) and the Sedation Practice Inspection (SPI) checklists that came into effect at the beginning of this year.
“There are some important changes practice owners should be aware of in both these documents and dentists should start to prepare now for inspections rather than waiting until closer to any potential inspection date,” says MDDUS dental adviser Rachael Bell.
“NHS Boards and NES previously had their own practice inspection checklists. These have now been brought together into a single CPI process to be carried out over a three-year rolling programme.
“Practitioners must meet all essential criteria, with all relevant documentation prepared for inspector review in the order set out in the checklist. Failure to comply with the standards in the practice inspection checklists could affect their access to NHS grants and allowances.
“Since the turn of the year, MDDUS has had queries from members regarding the new inspection checklists, from concerns about confidentiality issues to who will carry out the inspection.”
Practices undertaking IV sedation must ensure they comply with the guidelines regarding sedation, with practices involved in a high volume or very low volume of treatments under sedation initially targeted for inspection.
“Whilst an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is recommended for non-sedation practices, it is mandatory for any practice using sedation,” says Bell.
“The Resuscitation Council already has an AED as a minimum requirement for all practices so practitioners perhaps need to consider purchasing and AED if they are to stay up to date with current guidelines.
“Practitioners are also reminded that if they undertake any advanced techniques they should ensure that they have the relevant training in the technique and level of resuscitation training.”
Guidance for the new checklists can be found here http://bit.ly/17xumMS