We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 20 October 2015 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

Highfield Dental Practice is located in the London Borough of Bromley and provides NHS and private dental services.

Facilities within the practice include three treatment rooms, X-ray room, a dedicated decontamination room and a reception area.

The staff structure of the practice is comprised of a principal dentist (who is also the owner), two associate dentists, four dental nurses, two trainee nurses, three receptionists and a practice administrator. The practice is open 8.30 am– 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

The principal dentist is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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.

During the inspection we reviewed 31 completed CQC comment cards and spoke with four patients on the day of the inspection. The patients who provided feedback were positive about the care and treatment they received at the practice. They told us they were involved in all aspects of their care and found the staff to be friendly and helpful and they were treated with dignity and respect.

Our key findings were:

• There were effective processes in place to reduce and minimise the risk and spread of infection.
• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned in line with best practice guidance such as from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
• Patients were involved in their care and treatment planning.
• There was appropriate equipment for staff to undertake their duties and equipment was well maintained.
• Patients told us that staff were caring and treated them with dignity and respect.
• There were processes in place for patients to give their comments and feedback about the service including making complaints and compliments.
• There was a clear vision for the practice. Governance arrangements were in place for the smooth running of the practice.

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

• Review recruitment procedures to ensure accurate, complete and detailed records are maintained for all staff.
• Review the practice's protocols for medicines management and ensure all medicines are stored safely and securely.

People we spoke with who used the service during our visit on 30th March 2012 told us that they were very pleased with the dental service they received. They told us that their dentist went through all the options with them and helped them to decide the best course of treatment for them.

They said they felt very comfortable and safe with the staff, and that the practice was always kept clean and tidy. One person who used the service told us that they were always asked to accompany their child during their child’s dental procedures. Another person said that they had used the practice for many years and would continue to do so as the dentist was excellent. All of the people we spoke with said they were very happy to continue to use the service. They said the dentists were very professional and always asked for their consent before commencement of treatment.