We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 28 November 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

Notting Hill Dental Surgery provides NHS and private dental services. The opening hours for the practice were Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm, and 8.30am 2.30pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The premises consist of two treatment rooms, a decontamination room, and a waiting and reception area.

The practice comprises of a principal dentist, a dentists, a nurse and a receptionist.

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.

During the inspection we asked patients to complete CQC comment cards. We received 49 completed comment cards and we spoke to three patients on the day of the inspection. The patients who provided feedback were positive about the care and treatment they received at the practice. They told us they were involved in all aspects of their care and found the staff to be caring and helpful and they were treated with care, dignity and respect.

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.
• Staff were trained in and there was appropriate equipment for them to respond to medical emergencies.
• Patients told us that staff were caring and treated them with dignity and respect.
• Patients indicated that they felt they were listened to and that they received good care from a helpful and caring practice team.
• There were processes in place for patients to give their comments and feedback about the service including making complaints and compliments.

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

• Review the protocol for completing accurate, complete and detailed records relating to employment of staff.

• Review staff awareness of the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities under the Act as it relates to their role.

• Review its complaint handling procedures and establish an accessible system for identifying, receiving, recording, handling and responding to complaints by patients.
• Review the practice’s staff training ensuring it covers both children and adults and all staff are trained to an appropriate level for their role and aware of their responsibilities.

• Review the protocols and procedures for use of X-ray equipment giving due regard to guidance notes on the Safe use of X-ray Equipment.

• Review the practice's protocols for monitoring and recording the fridge temperature to ensure that medicines and dental care products are being stored in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.

Overall patients were happy with the service provided; they felt staff had treated them with respect and had confidence in the dentists. They were given sufficient information on their treatment options and prices were clearly explained.

The majority of patients felt that the clinic was clean and well maintained.