We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 13 June 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

Bywood Dental Practice is a dental surgery located in Croydon and provides predominantly NHS dental services (approximately 1% private). The demographics of the local area was mixed with patients from a range of ethnic and social backgrounds.

The practice staffing consists of four dentists who each worked one day a week, one dental nurse and a practice manager.

The practice is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm Tuesday to Fridays. The practice is set out over one level on the ground floor of the building. There are two surgeries (only one is currently in use), a decontamination room, staff room, patient waiting area and reception. The building is wheelchair accessible however the toilets are not.

The principal dentist is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as an individual. 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.

The inspection took place over one day and was carried out by a CQC inspector and a dental specialist advisor.

We received feedback from 15 patients which included completed Care Quality Commission comment cards. Patient feedback was very positive about the service. Patients made comments that staff were friendly and professional and that they provided an excellent service.. People referred to being treated with dignity and respect and receiving a high level of care and treatment.

Our key findings were:

• Systems were in place for the provider to receive safety alerts from external organisations and they were shared appropriately with staff.
• Processes were in place for staff to learn from incidents and lessons learnt were discussed amongst staff.
• There were systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. Dental instruments were decontaminated suitably.
• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned in line with current guidance.
• Patients were involved in their care and treatment planning so they could make informed decisions.
• There was appropriate equipment for staff to undertake their duties, and equipment was well maintained.
• Staff had access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) and medical oxygen.
• There were processes in place to safeguard patients from abuse.
• All clinical staff were up to date with their continuing professional development.
• The practice was carrying out risk assessments regularly.
• Governance arrangements were in place, including audits being completed which evidenced continuous learning.

People using the service were given sufficient information to make decisions regarding their care and treatment. People’s privacy, dignity and independence were respected.

We saw evidence people’s needs were assessed in a variety of ways and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual treatment plan. Treatment was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people’s safety and welfare. We reviewed completed patient surveys and saw that people were happy with the way in which their care and treatment was delivered. Comments we saw included, “…make me feel very relaxed.” “They are very efficient.”

People were cared for in a clean, hygienic environment. People were protected from the risk of infection because appropriate guidance had been followed.

We found there were effective recruitment and selection procedures in place and appropriate checks were carried out before staff began to work.

We reviewed several patient records as well as records relating to staff and the maintenance of equipment and premises. We found the records were securely stored, promptly located, accurate and fit for purpose.