CQC issues warning notice to Sydenham Dental Surgery following inspection
A dental surgery in Sydenham has been issued a warning notice by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after failing to meet a number of key regulations.
Sydenham Dental Surgery, run by Dr Parminderjit Singh Thiara, has been found to have breached regulations relating to safe care and treatment, good governance, and the employment of fit and proper persons.
The practice, which provides NHS and private care for adults and children, had an inspection in March which flagged a number of issues.
Following the warning notice, the practice says it has addressed all the issues raised, but has yet to have a follow-up inspection.
A report from the CQC following the spring assessment stated: "We found this practice was not providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations.
"We will be following up on our concerns to ensure they have been put right by the provider."
It added that while the impact on patient safety was minor, "once the shortcomings have been put right, the likelihood of them occurring in the future is low".
Inspectors raised concerns about emergency equipment and medicine checks, fire safety procedures, infection prevention, and the accuracy of risk assessments.
Equipment such as the autoclave had not been serviced in line with manufacturer guidance, and maintenance issues were found within the premises.
Although staff were trained in resuscitation and basic life support, there were no records confirming fire safety training.
The practice submitted evidence after the inspection showing that missing equipment had been obtained and a fire alarm system had been installed.
X-ray safety arrangements were in place, but the provider could not confirm registration with the Health and Safety Executive.
Risk assessments for hazardous substances were incomplete, and safety data sheets were not available.
While the practice met requirements for being effective, caring and responsive, the CQC highlighted key concerns, including: "Medicines and prescriptions were not managed in line with current guidance," "Recruitment procedures did not reflect current legislation," and "leadership was not always effective and governance systems were lacking".
It added: "Systems to support a culture of continuous improvement and development were not established at the service."
However, the report also noted that: "Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our assessment, could access care, support and treatment when required."
It said care was in line with current guidance and that while some risk systems were in place, safeguarding and incident review procedures needed improvement.
The practice has one treatment room and offers step-free access with nearby parking, including spaces for disabled visitors.
Ahead of the inspection, patients were invited to provide feedback.
The CQC received comments from 24 patients in total, which were mostly positive.
Patients said they could book appointments in good time, felt they were given enough time during consultations, and were supported with clear information.
One patient commented: "Friendly and professional with good advice."
The practice team reviewed patient feedback and told inspectors that appropriate action would be taken in response to suggestions.
Despite this, the report concluded: "While the people we received feedback from expressed that they were generally happy with their care, our assessment found there were regulations that were not met."
The CQC added: "We served a warning notice on Dr Parminderjit Singh Thiara on 5 March 2025 for failing to meet the regulations related to safe care and treatment, good governance and fit and proper persons employed at Sydenham Dental Surgery."
The CQC said it will publish the outcome of any enforcement action once appeals have been concluded.
In response, Dr Thiara told Nub News: "Following the assessment I was given until 30/04/25 to address the concerns raised by the CQC.
"I have addressed all of the concerns raised in the following three reference sections, with evidence sent to the CQC offices on 29 April 2025.
"Since addressing all concerns raised and forwarding the documentation to evidence that all matters have been addressed, I have not received a response or acknowledgment from the CQC.
"I have not received an acknowledgement as to whether they have received my documents and accepted that all concerns have now been fully addressed."
A CQC spokesperson confirmed: "We've received evidence demonstrating some of the issues have been addressed, but we are yet to do a follow-up inspection to confirm this."
The full CQC report can be found here.
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