We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 19 January 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

The practice is owned by The Cowpen and Waterloo Dental Practice Partnership and is part of Integrated Dental Holdings Limited.

The practice offers primary care dentistry under the NHS and private treatments and procedures including conscious sedation. It has six surgeries, a decontamination room, a reception area and a separate waiting room.

The practice is open Monday 8am to 7pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am to 6pm, and Friday 8am to 5pm. Saturday appointments are available by appointment.

There are 10 dentists, nine dental nurses (including two trainees), a dental hygienist, three receptionist and a practice manager.

The Partnership is the registered provider for the practice. Registered providers have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the practice is run.

We spoke with two dentists, three dental nurses, the receptionist and practice manager.

We received feedback from patients about the service from 14 Care Quality Commission comment cards. All the comments were positive about the staff and the services provided. Comments included: excellent service, staff are always kind, helpful and professional.

Our key findings were:

• There was an effective complaints system.
• Staff had received safeguarding training, 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.
• Staff had been trained to manage medical emergencies.
• Infection control procedures were in accordance with the published guidelines.
• Patient care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with evidence based guidelines and current regulations.
• 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.
• Patients could access routine treatment and urgent care when required.
• The practice was well-led, staff felt involved and supported and worked well as a team.
• The governance systems were effective.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided.