We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 20 May 2015 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.

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 20 May 2015.

The practice employs five dentists including a foundation dentist in training who works at the practice under the supervision of a qualified dentist. The dentists are supported by a practice manager and six dental nurses that also undertake reception duties. The practice has four surgeries, a separate decontamination room and an X-ray suite.

The practice provides primary dental services to mainly NHS patients but also provides private care. It is a training practice where newly qualified dentists work under the supervision of experienced colleagues. The practice is open Monday to Thursday between the hours of 9am and 5.15pm and Fridays between the hours of 9am and 430pm. They are open on alternate Saturdays.

We spoke with three patients during the inspection. They told us that they were very happy with the services provided, that the staff treated then with dignity and respect and the dentists provided them with a clear explanation of treatment including options and associated costs.

We viewed CQC comment cards that had been left for patients to complete, prior to our visit, about the services provided. There were seven completed comment cards and all of them reflected positive comments about the staff and the services provided, describing the dentists as kind and caring. Patients commented that the dentists clearly explained treatment options and costs and they found the quality of the dentistry to be excellent.

The provider was providing care which was safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led and the regulations were being met.

Our key findings were:

• The practice recorded and analysed significant events and complaints and cascaded learning to staff.
• Where mistakes had been made patients were notified about the outcome of any investigation and given a suitable apology.
• Staff had received safeguarding and whistleblowing training and knew the processes to follow to raise any concerns.
• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of patients.
• Staff had been trained to handle emergencies and appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were readily available.
• Infection control procedures were robust and the practice followed published guidance. Infection control audits were taking place annually and not every six months as required by the relevant published guidance.
• Patient’s care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with evidence based guidelines, best practice and current legislation.
• Patients received clear explanations about their proposed treatment, costs, benefits and risks and were involved in making decisions about it.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.
• The appointment system met the needs of patients and waiting times were kept to a minimum.
• There was an effective complaints system and the practice was open and transparent with patients if a mistake had been made.
• The practice was well-led and staff felt involved and worked as a team.
• Governance systems were effective and there was a range of clinical and non-clinical audits to monitor the quality of services.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements and should:

• Ensure that discussions and learning from staff meetings are clearly documented to reflect that governance and safety issues are discussed with staff, improvements actioned and that there are clear lines of accountability.

• Update the radiation protection documents to reflect the names of the current staff qualified to use X-ray equipment at the practice.

• Undertake infection control audits every six months.

• Monitor fridge temperatures to ensure that medicines and dental materials are effective.