We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 17 November 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.

Background

Churchview Dental Practice is a partnership and offers its services from two locations, Churchview Dental Practice, Eastling Lane, Houghton Le Spring, Tyne and Wear, DH5 0JN which we did not visit and Dairy Lane Dental Practice, Houghton Le Spring, Tyne and Wear, DH4 5BH which we inspected.

The practice offers primary care dentistry and conscious sedation to patients under the NHS and dental care not available under the NHS can be provided on a private basis.

The practice is open Monday to Friday 9.10am to 5.30pm.

There are five dentists, six dental nurses, a hygienist, a receptionists and a practice manager.

The partnership is the registered provider for the practice and there is a registered manager. 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.

We received feedback from patients about the service via 45 Care Quality Commission comment cards. All of the comments were positive about the staff and the services provided. Comments included: very friendly, very caring, very professional, brilliant service.

Our key findings were:

• There was an effective complaints system.
• Staff had received safeguarding training, 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.
• Staff had been trained to manage medical emergencies.
• Infection control procedures were in accordance with the published guidelines.
• Patient care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with evidence based guidelines and current regulations.
• 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.
• Patients could access routine treatment and urgent care when required.
• The practice was well-led, staff felt involved and 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.

People told us the service they received from the practice was “Excellent” and “Very good”. One person said there was “A relaxed atmosphere” and there were “No problems”. Another person said “the receptionists are friendly” and “the dentist explains things and is professional and makes you comfortable and puts you at your ease”.

We spoke with three people and they said consent to treatment was sought and treatment fully explained. They confirmed they were able to ask questions about their treatment and it was explained to them.

We found that people were given appropriate information regarding treatment. Care and support was given and met their needs and protected their rights.

The service was following the appropriate guidance regarding the risk of infection. Those we spoke with found the practice to be clean.

The provider could demonstrate that appropriate checks were in place regarding the recruitment and vetting of staff. There was an effective system in place to monitor the quality of service.