We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 23 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

The practice is located within a purpose adapted property in Chelmsford, Essex and offers a range of NHS and private general preventative, restorative and cosmetic dental treatments to adult patients and children.

The practice is open and offers appointments for patients between 8.30am and 5pm on Mondays to Fridays and between 8.30am and 1pm on Saturdays.

The practice employs eight associate dentists, two dental nurses and four trainee dental nurses. The practice dental team is supported by a practice manager and one receptionist. Two dental hygienists provide treatments.

The practice is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as an organisation. The principal dentist is the 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.

The practice has six treatment rooms, a combined waiting room and a reception area. Decontamination takes place in a dedicated decontamination room (Decontamination is the process by which dirty and contaminated instruments are bought from the treatment room, washed, inspected, sterilised and sealed in pouches ready for use again).

Our key findings were:

• The practice had systems in place for sharing relevant information, investigating and learning from complaints, safety incidents and accidents. Staff were aware of their responsibilities to report incidents.
• The practice was visibly clean and clutter free. Infection control practices were reviewed and audited to test their effectiveness.
• There were systems in place to help keep people safe, including safeguarding vulnerable children and adults.
• The practice had medicines and equipment for use in the event of a medical emergency were in line with current guidelines. Records were maintained in respect of the checks carried out for these medicines and equipment.
• Staff undertook training in respect of their roles and responsibilities within the practice.
• Patients reported that they were very satisfied with their treatment and that staff were respectful and helpful.
• Patients were provided with detailed information and treatment plans and were involved in making decisions about their care and treatments.
• The practice could normally arrange a routine appointment within a few days and appointments were flexible to meet the needs of patients.
• Effective governance arrangements were in place for the smooth running of the service.
• Audits and reviews were carried out to monitor and improve services,
• Patient’s views were sought and these were used to make improvements to the service where these were identified.

We looked at the dental records for six people. We saw treatment plans were made available to people and that people had signed agreement to their plan of treatment.

People's needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned in line with their individual treatment plan. When asked, people visiting the dental practice told us about their experience of visiting Goodleigh Dental Practice. Comments included “It is very good; my family come here", “It is excellent” and “They are extremely caring and compassionate.”

People were treated in a clean and hygienic environment.

Staff received appropriate professional development.

We observed members of staff interacting with patients in a courteous, polite and efficient manner.

We saw that the practice had implemented an infection control policy and that staff were encouraged to develop their skills and undertake appropriate training to help deliver safe and effective care to patients.