During this inspection we found the practice to be clean and infection control measures were in place. People had procedures explained clearly to them although there was no written consent form in place. People experienced care, treatment and support that met their needs which was supported by the annual patient survey which showed the 30 people surveyed reported the practice as either excellent or very good overall.

Staff received appropriate training and were supported to deliver good quality care and there was an effective complaints system in place.

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 7 March 2017 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

Menston dental practice is located in the centre of Menston, West Yorkshire and provides private treatment for adults and children. They offer restorative dentistry, cosmetic, orthodontics and dental implants.

The practice cannot accommodate wheelchair users but has made reasonable adjustments to the premises with grab rails to the front door and ground floor level access throughout the practice. Car parking spaces are available outside the practice.

The dental team consists of the principal dentist, two dental nurses (both of whom are trainees), one dental therapist and a cleaner.

The practice has one surgery with integrated sterilisation area and a separate waiting area/ reception room.

On the day of inspection we received 16 CQC comment cards providing positive feedback. The patients who provided feedback were very positive about the care and attention to treatment they received at the practice. They told us they were involved in all aspects of their care and found the staff to be helpful, courteous and friendly.

The practice is open: Monday –Tuesday 9am-6:30pm and Wednesday-Friday 9am-5:30pm.

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

Our key findings were:

• The practice appeared clean and well maintained.
• Infection control procedures were robust and the practice followed published guidance, we noted that a surface in the treatment room was in need of repair and the sterilisation area was cluttered with non-essential items.
• Staff had been trained to handle medical emergencies and appropriate medicines and equipment were readily available in accordance with current guidelines.
• The practice had systems in place to manage risks.
• Staff understood and received safeguarding training and knew how to recognise signs of abuse and how to report it.
• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of patients.
• Effective recruitment processes for staff were in place.
• Treatment was well planned and provided in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.
• The appointment system met patients’ needs.
• The practice was well-led and staff felt involved and supported and worked well as a team.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided.
• Complaints were responded to in an efficient and responsive manner, however patients were not well informed about the complaints process.
• Patients received information about their care, proposed treatment, costs, benefits, and risks and were involved in making decisions about it.

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

• Review the practice’s infection control procedures and protocols giving due regard to guidelines issued by the Department of Health - Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices and The Health and Social Care Act 2008: ‘Code of Practice about the prevention and control of infections and related guidance. To review the layout of the surgery equipment and surface in need of repair.
• Review the provision of complaints information to patients.