We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 28 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

Northwick Park Dental practice is located in the London Borough of Brent and provides NHS and private dental services. The demographics of the practice is a mixture of hospital staff and the general public

The staff structure of the practice is comprised of two principal dentists, two dentists, one receptionist and four dental nurses

Facilities within the practice include three treatment rooms, a dedicated decontamination room, and a reception area. The opening hours of the practice are 7.45 am to 4pm Monday to Friday apart from Wednesdays when the practice is open until 6pm.The practice is also open on Saturdays by appointment.

The inspection was undertaken by a CQC inspector and a specialist dental advisor. We spoke with staff and reviewed policies and procedures and dental care records. We received 40 CQC comment cards completed by patients.

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

Our key findings were:

• There were effective processes in place to reduce and minimise the risk and spread of infection.
• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned in line with current guidance such as from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
• Patients were involved in their care and treatment planning.
• There was appropriate equipment for staff to undertake their duties and equipment was well maintained.
• Patients told us that staff were caring and treated them with dignity and respect.
• There were processes in place for patients to give their comments and feedback about the service including making complaints and providing compliments.
• There was a clear vision for the practice. Governance arrangements were in place for the smooth running of the practice.

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

• Review recruitment procedures to ensure accurate, complete and detailed records including appropriate records of references are maintained for all staff.