We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 3 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

Dorking Dental Centre is located in the town of Dorking. The practice is a grade II listed building and is accessed via steps from the road. The practice provides private dental treatment to both adults and children. The practice consists of two treatment rooms, an X-ray room, a reception and waiting area. The practice is open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 6pm and Tuesdays from 8.30am to 5.30pm.

The staff consists of the principal dentist, a business director/practice manager, two associate dentists, one dental nurse, one trainee dental nurse and one receptionist.

The principal dentist is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as an individual ‘registered person’. 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 reviewed 45 CQC comment cards on the day of the inspection. Patients were extremely positive about the service. They were complimentary about the excellent service provided by friendly and caring staff. Patients commented that the care they received was exceptional.

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

Our key findings were:

• We found the dentists regularly assessed each patient’s gum health and took X-rays at appropriate intervals.
• Patients were involved in their care and treatment planning so they could make informed decisions.
• There were effective processes in place to reduce and minimise the risk and spread of infection.
• The practice had effective safeguarding processes in place and staff understood their responsibilities for safeguarding adults and child protection.
• Equipment, such as the autoclave (steriliser), fire extinguishers, and X-ray equipment had all been checked for effectiveness and had been regularly serviced.

• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.
• The practice had implemented clear procedures for managing comments, concerns or complaints.
• Patients indicated that they found the team to be efficient, professional, caring and reassuring.
• Patients had good access to appointments, including emergency appointments, which were available on the same day.
• Leadership structures were clear and there were processes in place for dissemination of information and feedback to staff.

• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned in line with current guidance such as from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

• There were appropriate equipment and access to emergency drugs to enable the practice to respond to medical emergencies. Staff knew where equipment was stored.

We spoke to one person using the service and received written feedback from eight other people who were using the service during our visit.

The person we spoke to was positive about their experience of using the service, said that treatment options were explained, including the costs, they felt safe using the service and were satisfied with the cleanliness of the service. These views were confirmed by the written comments we also received.