We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 19 January 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

No 18 Dental Practice is located in Knaresborough and provides NHS treatment to children and private treatment to adults.

Wheelchair users or pushchairs can access the practice through step free access at the rear of the building. Car parking spaces are available near the practice.

The dental team is comprised of the principal dentist and three dental nurses who also work on reception. There are two surgeries with only one in use. The other has been decommissioned. The practice has a dedicated decontamination room for sterilising dental instruments, a staff room/kitchen and a general office.

On the day of inspection we received 41 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 felt involved in all aspects of their care and found staff to be caring, compassionate, friendly and the staff to be attentive to their needs. They mentioned staff had good communication skills, were efficient and they were treated with dignity and respect in a clean and tidy environment. Patients also commented they could access emergency care easily.

The practice is open:

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9am – 5:30pm

Thursday 9am – 6pm

Friday 9am – 1pm

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.

• The practice appeared clean and well maintained.
• Infection control procedures were robust and the practice followed published guidance.
• Staff had been trained to handle 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.
• Appropriate recruitment of staff was 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 service was aware of the needs of the local population and took these into account in how the practice was run
• 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 manor.

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

• Review the storage of prescription pads and prescription only medicines in the practice and ensure there are systems in place to monitor and track their use.
• Review the need for a lone worker policy and risk assessment for staff.