We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 23 August 2016 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

Oasis Dental Care practice is located in the centre of Ripon, North Yorkshire and treats predominantly National Health Service (NHS) patients and has private dental plans available.

The practice has five surgeries, three on the ground floor and two on the first floor, a decontamination room, two waiting areas, a reception area and patient toilets. There are staff facilities on the first floor of the premises.

There are six dentists (one of which provides a minimal Orthodontic service), a dental hygienist, seven dental nurses (three of which are trainees), a practice manager and two receptionists.

The opening hours are:

Monday - Thursday 08:00 – 19:00

Friday 08:00 – 17:00

Saturday 09:00 – 13:00.

The practice manager is the registered manager. A registered manager is a person who is registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. 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.

Comments on the 17 completed CQC comment cards we received showed the patients were very positive about the care and treatment they received at the practice. Comments included that the staff were friendly, approachable, caring and professional. All discussions including the associated costs were explained thoroughly.

Our key findings were:

• The practice had systems in place to assess and manage risks to patients and staff including infection prevention and control, health and safety and the management of medical emergencies.
• The practice appeared clean and hygienic.
• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of patients.
• Infection control procedures were in accordance with the published guidelines.
• Oral health advice and treatment were provided in-line with the ‘Delivering Better Oral Health’ toolkit (DBOH).
• Treatment was well planned and provided in line with current best practice guidelines.
• 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, respect and confidentiality was maintained.
• The appointment system met patients’ needs.
• The practice was well-led and staff felt involved,supported and worked well as a team.
• The governance systems were effective.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided.
• There were clearly defined leadership roles within the practice.

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

• Review the safe storage of clinical waste to ensure the waste is secured inside and outside the premises.
• Review the current staffing arrangements to ensure all dental staff, including dental hygienists are suitably supported by a trained member of the dental team when treating patients in a dental setting.

To help us understand the experiences of people using the service, we spoke with people who had attended the surgery at the time of our inspection.

We spoke with people in private at the practice address. Everyone we spoke with said that they were treated with respect. They said they signed to say they agreed with the treatment and that they had their treatment options explained to them. People told us they were supported to make decisions and choices regarding their care and treatment. One person said, “My dentist always explains to me what my options are.” Another told us, “I have a great service here, I trust him implicitly.”

People told us they did not have to wait too long for appointments and that they are always welcomed in a friendly manner. One person said, “I have toothache and I rang this morning and here I am for my appointment.”

People commented that they thought the surgery and practice building were clean. One person said, “It always smells clean.”

We were told by the people we spoke with at this inspection they felt safe and relaxed when receiving treatment.

People told us that they had not had any need to complain; but if necessary they would speak either to the dentist or the practice manager.