A DENTISTRY in Knutsford has been found to have been using unregistered X-ray equipment in an inspection by the Government's care quality watchdog.

Gaskell Avenue Dental Practice underwent inspection last month from the Care Quality Commission and the resulting report determined the practice unsafe and providing poorly led care.

It did, however, find the practice met standards expected in regards to how effective, caring and responsive it is.

One of the major points of concern during the evaluation was the practice’s use of unregistered X-ray equipment.

The report read that the dentistry had arrangements in place to carry out X-ray procedures but had not registered the equipment through the required legal channels.

The inspector wrote that the practice arranged for the approval of the equipment once the inspection had been completed, but they did not submit any evidence to the commission.

Gaskell Avenue was also found to be falling short of required standards in management of care, as many of the clinicians had treated patients outside the practice without any risk assessment being conducted.

The inspector said in the report: “Some of the clinicians provided dental care in domiciliary settings such as care homes or in patients’ homes.

“We observed that the provider had not assessed the risks associated with this or put reasonably practicable measures in place to reduce these risks.

“Written consent was not always obtained by patients and no provision was made for responding to medical emergencies should one arise."

The practice consists of three principle dentists, an associative and visiting dentist, seven dental nurses, two dental hygienists and two receptionists.