We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 26 September 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

Fresh Spring Dental Practice located in Tower Hamlets provides NHS and private dental treatment to patients of all ages.

Practice staffing consists of a principal dentist, two associate dentists, one prosthodontist, one periodontist, one hygienist, three qualified dental nurses, one trainee dental nurse, two receptionists and a practice manager.

The principal dentist is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as an individual 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 practice is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm.

The practice facilities include two treatment rooms, reception and waiting area, decontamination room, and a staff room/kitchen.

52 patients provided feedback about the service. Patients we spoke with and those who completed comment cards were very positive about the care they received about the service. Patients told us that they were happy with the treatment and advice they had received.

Our key findings were:

• There were systems in place to ensure that all equipment was maintained in line with manufacturer’s guidelines.
• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of patients.
• Staff had received safeguarding children and adults training and knew the processes to follow to raise any concerns. The practice had whistleblowing policies and procedure and staff were aware of these and their responsibilities to report any concerns.
• There were systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. Dental instruments were cleaned and sterilised in line with current guidance.
• The practice had a procedure for handling and responding to complaints, which were displayed and available to patients.
• The practice ensured staff were trained and that they maintained the necessary skills and competence to support the needs of patients.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.
• Staff had been trained to handle medical emergencies, and appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were readily available.
• Patients received clear explanations about their proposed treatment, costs, benefits and risks and were involved in making decisions about it.
• The appointment system met the needs of patients and waiting times were kept to a minimum.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided and acted on this to improve its services.
• Governance systems were effective and there were a range of policies and procedures in place which underpinned the management of the practice. Clinical audits were carried out to monitor the quality of services.

On the day of our visit we spoke to six people who used the service who all said that they were happy with the treatment they had at the practice and that staff treated them well. One person said, 'It’s perfect, better than a private dentist!' Another person, when we asked them whether they knew how to make a complaint should they need to do so said, 'What is there to complain about?'

The people we spoke to said that they were well informed about their treatment and that the dentists explained things very well. This included any risks concerned with the various treatment options available.

From the records we looked at we saw that the treatment provided met people’s needs. Dentists provided advice and support to help people adopt good oral hygiene practices to protect their teeth and gums.

The premises were attractive and clean and staff met the requirements of government codes of practice for the clinical cleanliness of the treatment rooms and the decontamination of dental instruments.

We saw from the staff files that the provider had undertaken all the necessary checks to ensure staff were properly qualified and of good character.

The practice had an effective complaints system in place and dealt with any complaints appropriately.