We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 25 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 and improvements are required.

Kennington Dental Care is located in the London Borough of Lambeth and provides mainly NHS dental services but has a small number of private patients. The demographics of the practice was mixed, serving patients from a range of social and ethnic backgrounds. The practice is open Monday to Friday with a range of opening times, usually from 8.00am to 5.30pm. The practice facilities include three consultation rooms, reception and waiting area, decontamination room and a staff office. The premises are not wheelchair accessible, however the practice can refer patients to a branch location close by should the need arise.

We received feedback from nine patients. This included speaking with patients on the day of the inspection and also reviewing completed Care Quality Commission comment cards. Patients’ feedback was positive and they were happy with staff and the physical environment of the practice.

Our key findings were:

• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned in line with current guidance.
• Patients were involved in their care and treatment planning so they could make informed decisions.
• There were effective processes in place to reduce and minimise the risk and spread of infection.
• There were appropriate equipment and access to emergency drugs to enable the practice to respond to medical emergencies. Staff knew where equipment was stored.
• All clinical staff were up to date with their continuing professional development.
• There was appropriate equipment for staff to undertake their duties, and equipment was maintained appropriately.
• Appropriate governance arrangements were in place to facilitate the smooth running of the service.