We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 11 August 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

Infinity Dental Clinic is located in the London Borough of Lambeth. The premises consist of five treatment rooms and one dedicated decontamination room. There are also toilet facilities, a waiting room, a reception area, an administrative office and a staff room.

The practice provides NHS and private dental services and treats both adults and children. The practice offers a range of dental services including routine examinations and treatment, veneers, crowns and bridges and oral hygiene.

The staff structure of the practice is comprised of two principal dentists (who are also the owners), two associate dentists, six dental nurses, two hygienists, a practice manager and a receptionist.

The practice was open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm.

One of the principle dentists is the registered manager. A registered manager is a person who is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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.

The inspection took place over one day and was carried out by a CQC inspector and a dentist specialist advisor.

We received 37 CQC comment cards completed by patients. All the comments were positive about the care they received from the practice. They were complimentary about the friendly and caring attitude of all the staff.

Our key findings were:

• The practice recorded and analysed significant events and complaints and cascaded learning to staff.
• Staff had received safeguarding and whistleblowing training and knew the processes to follow to raise any concerns.
• Staff had been trained to handle emergencies; appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were readily available.
• Infection control procedures were robust and the practice followed published guidance from the Department of Health.
• Patient care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with evidence based guidelines, best practice and current legislation.
• 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 the needs of patients and waiting times were kept to a minimum.
• There was an effective complaints system and the practice was open and transparent with apologies given if a mistake had been made.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided and made improvements.