We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 6 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

Hunstanton Dental Practice provides primarily NHS treatment to adults and children and serves about 3000 patients. The two dentists own the practice as partners. It is situated in a converted residential property and has two dental treatment rooms and a decontamination room on each floor for sterilising dental instruments. There are two waiting areas, a reception area and staff room.

The practice is open from 9am to 5.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8am to 3pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. The dentists are supported by appropriate numbers of dental nurses and administrative staff.

One of the practice owners is the registered manager. A registered manager is a person who is registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. 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.

Before the inspection we sent comment cards to the practice for patients to complete to tell us about their experience of the practice. We received feedback from 38 patients. These provided a very positive view of the service provided. Patients commented on the effectiveness of their treatment, the friendly and empathetic nature of staff, and the cleanliness of the practice.

Our key findings were:

• Information from 38 completed Care Quality Commission comment cards gave us a positive picture of a friendly, professional and high quality service.

• The practice had good facilities and was well equipped to treat patients and meet their needs.

• The practice had systems to help ensure patient safety. These included safeguarding children and adults from abuse, maintaining the required standards of infection prevention and control, and responding to medical emergencies.

• Risk assessment was robust and action was taken to protect staff and patients.

• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified and competent staff. Members of the dental team were up-to-date with their continuing professional development and supported to meet the requirements of their professional registration.

• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered in line with current best practice guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and other published guidance.

• The practice took into account any comments, concerns or complaints and used these to help them improve the service.

• Staff felt well supported and were committed to providing a quality service to their patients.

• The two practice owners provided strong and effective leadership.

• Effective quality assurance and monitoring systems were in place, based on seeking the views of patients.

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

• Review the practice’s protocols for the use of rubber dam for root canal treatment giving due regard to guidelines issued by the British Endodontic Society.

• Review all hazardous substances within the practice and ensure relevant safety data sheets are available for them.

• Monitor the fridge temperature each day to ensure it is operating effectively.