We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 23 February 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

The Gargrave dental practice is situated in the centre of Gargrave, North Yorkshire and is situated over two floors. The only surgery is located on the first floor of the practice. It has one dentist, one dental hygiene therapist, a practice administrator and three dental nurses.

The practice offers a mix of NHS and private dental treatments including preventative advice and routine restorative dental care.

Opening times:

Monday & Thursday closed

Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 09:00 – 12:30 14:00 – 17:30.

On the day of inspection we received feedback from 28 patients. 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 to be brilliant, polite, friendly and professional they were treated with dignity and respect in a clean and tidy environment.

Our key findings were:

• 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, best practice 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.
• The appointment system met patients’ needs.
• There was a complaints system in place. Staff recorded complaints and cascaded learning to staff.
• The governance systems were effective.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements and should:

• Review the process and procedures for domiciliary care, for patients who can no longer access their services. Implement risk assessments in line with the guidelines for the delivery of a domiciliary oral healthcare service 2009.

• Record fridge temperatures where dental materials are stored.​Implement a lone worker policy.

• Implement a latex policy.

• Review the storage of clinical waste to ensure this is stored securely.

• Review the practice protocol for matrix bands to prevent them being reused.

We spoke with six people who used the service, including one young adult, during our inspection. Everyone told us they were satisfied with the care and treatment they received.

Everyone we spoke with told us they were happy with the care they received and no concerns were expressed about the treatment provided at the practice. One person told us, “Everything is done properly, we have banter with the dentist, he knows all his patients.” Another person said, “The dentist is very good, he has a good rapport with everyone, especially children who can be very scared of the dentist, he puts them at ease.” We observed that when people arrived for treatment, the dentist knew them by name and welcomed them in a friendly and approachable manner. We also saw other staff communicate with people in an appropriate, respectful and friendly way.

People told us if they had any concerns or complaints they would discuss them with members of staff or the dentist. The complaints procedure was available in the reception area.