We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 16 March 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

Dentologicum is located on a business park close to the centre of Chester. The practice had been designed and furbished to a high standard. It comprises a reception and waiting room, a consultation room, a treatment room, two decontamination rooms, an X-ray room and patient toilet facilities all at ground floor level. Parking is available outside the practice. The practice is accessible to patients with disabilities, limited mobility, and to wheelchair users.

The practice provides general dental treatment to adults and children on a privately funded basis. The opening times are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm. The practice is staffed by a principal dentist and a practice manager / dental nurse.

The principal dentist is registered with the Care Quality Commission 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.

We received feedback from 16 people during the inspection about the services provided. Patients commented that they found the practice excellent and that staff were professional, friendly, and caring. They said the dentist listened carefully to them and they were always given excellent information and explanations about dental treatment options. Patients commented that the practice was clean and comfortable and provided a tranquil environment.

Our key findings were:

• The practice had procedures in place to record, analyse and learn from significant events and incidents.
• Staff had received safeguarding training, and knew the processes to follow to raise concerns.
• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified and skilled staff to meet the needs of patients.
• Staff had been trained to deal with medical emergencies, and emergency medicines and equipment were available.
• The premises and equipment were clean, secure and well maintained.
• Staff followed current infection control guidelines for decontaminating and sterilising instruments.
• Patients’ needs were assessed, and care and treatment were delivered, in accordance with current standards and guidance.
• Patients received information about their care, proposed treatment, costs, benefits, and risks and were involved in making decisions about it.
• Staff were supported to deliver effective care, and opportunities for training and learning were available.
• Patients were treated with kindness, dignity, and respect, and their confidentiality was maintained.
• The appointment system met the needs of patients, and emergency appointments were available.
• Services were planned and delivered to meet the needs of patients.
• The practice gathered and took account of the views of patients.
• Staff were supervised, felt involved, and worked together as a team.
• Governance arrangements were in place for the smooth running of the practice, and for the delivery of high quality person centred care.