We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 28 February 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

Colne Dental Care is located in the centre of Colne, Lancashire and provides mainly private treatment with approximately 25 % NHS provision for adults and children. They offer restorative dentistry, orthodontics and are supported by specialist dentists providing oral surgery and dental implantology.

Wheelchair users or pushchairs can access the practice through a ramp access. Car parking spaces are available near the practice.

The dental team is comprised of five dentists (two of whom are specialist oral surgeons), four dental nurses (two of whom are trainees), two dental therapists, a receptionist, a cleaner and a practice manager.

The practice accommodates four surgeries, a decontamination room, a waiting area and reception, a staff room/kitchen and a general office.

On the day of inspection we received 48 CQC comment cards providing positive feedback. The patients who provided feedback were very positive about the care and attention to treatment they received at the practice. They told us they were involved in all aspects of their care and found the staff  provided compassionate and sensitive care. Patients commented they were treated with dignity and respect by helpful and professional staff.

The practice is open: Monday –Thursday 9am-5:30pm and Friday 9am-5pm.

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.

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.
• Effective recruitment processes for staff were in place.
• 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.

We spoke with five people who used the service; they all made positive comments about the care and treatment they received at Colne Dental Care. Three of the people spoken with told us: “They make you feel at ease as soon as you walk through the door”, “They are excellent, really friendly, professional and helpful” and “It’s a breath of fresh air, a real confidence booster”.

People told us they were treated with respect when they visited the practice. They said the dentists, nurses and receptionists were friendly and polite.

People told us they were involved in making decisions about their care and treatment. They considered they received good care and treatment.

People spoken with had an awareness of how to make a complaint. They had no concerns about their safety and wellbeing when attending appointments.

People said the surgeries were kept clean and that protective equipment, such as gloves and visors, was always used.