We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 14 March 2017 to ask the practice the following key questions; Are services safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?

Our findings were:

Are services safe?

We found that this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services effective?

We found that this practice was providing effective care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services caring?

We found that this practice was providing caring services in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services responsive?

We found that this practice was providing responsive care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services well-led?

We found that this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Background

A smile For Life is based in Menston, West Yorkshire and provides private treatment to adults and children. They offer restorative and cosmetic treatments.

The practice is in a converted house and based on the ground floor. There is a ramp to the front door with level access throughout the ground floor. All patients can access with ease. Car parking is available outside the practice.

The dental team is comprised of a dentist and two dental nurses/ receptionists.

The practice has one surgery, a decontamination room, a waiting room, reception room, office and a staff room/kitchen.

On the day of inspection we received 53 CQC comment cards providing extremely positive feedback. The patients were complimentary about the care they received at the practice. They told us they found the staff professional, caring and compassionate.

The practice is open: Monday 8am-6:30pm, Tuesday 8am-2pm, Wednesday 12-7pm Thursday 8am-4:30pm and Friday 8am-2pm.

The principal dentist is the registered manager. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the practice is run.

Our key findings were:

• The practice appeared clean and well maintained.
• Infection control procedures were robust and the practice followed published guidance.
• Staff had been trained to handle medical emergencies and appropriate medicines and equipment were readily available in accordance with current guidelines.
• The practice had systems in place to manage risks.
• Staff understood and received safeguarding training and knew how to recognise signs of abuse and how to report it.
• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of patients.
• Treatment was well planned and provided in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.
• The appointment system met patients’ needs.
• The service was aware of the needs of the local population and took these into account in how the practice was run
• The practice was well-led and staff felt involved and supported and worked well as a team.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided.
• Complaints were responded to in an efficient and responsive manner.
• Patients received information about their care, proposed treatment, costs, benefits, and risks and were involved in making decisions about it

During the inspection we had the opportunity to speak with three people who used the service. They told us they were very satisfied with the care and treatment provided. Their comments included: “I cannot fault the dental care I receive, the dentist and dental nurses are approachable and put your mind at ease." and "After having a very bad experience at a previous dental practice I was so pleased to find a dentist who really cares about their patients, I now never worry about attending an appointment."

We found the dentist had appropriate systems in place to ensure consent was gained before they proceeded with examination or treatment.

We found the dentist had taken steps which ensured the care and welfare of people who used the service and there were arrangements in place to deal with medical emergencies.

We found the dentist operated in clean and tidy facilities and had suitable infection prevention and control protocols in place.

We found the dentist had appropriate arrangements in place to ensure staff were receiving suitable training.

We saw evidence there was an appropriate system in place for listening to and acting on people’s comments and concerns.