We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 4 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.

Openshaw Dental Practice is located to the east of Manchester city centre. The practice is owned and run by Mr Robert Brown (principal dentist) and provides mostly (99%) NHS primary dental care and a small amount (1%) of private dentistry to patients in and around the Openshaw area.

The principal dentist is the 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.

Mr Robert Brown is the sole dentist at this practice and he is supported by three registered dental nurses who also share reception duties. The practice is situated in a converted residential property. There is a reception and waiting area, a treatment room and a dedicated decontamination room on the ground floor and a toilet and staff room/kitchen on the first floor. The practice is generally open from 9.15am to 7pm Monday and Tuesday and 9.15am to 5.30pm on all other weekdays.

We received feedback from 17 patients who completed CQC comment cards and we spoke with six patients who were attending the practice for an appointment.

Our key findings were:

• Patient’s needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered in accordance with current best practice guidance for example the Faculty of General Dental Practice (FGDP) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

• Staff showed an understanding of the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) in relation to gaining informed consent.

• Patients told us they were treated with dignity and respect and were involved in planning their treatment. This included being given information about various treatment options and the cost of treatments.

• There were systems in place to manage risks such as safeguarding and medical emergencies. Staff had received appropriate training to manage medical emergencies.

• Patients told us they were able to make routine and emergency appointments when needed.

• There was a complaints policy and procedure in place and if a mistake was made that affected a patient an apology would be given and patients would be notified about the outcome of any investigation

• There was a clear leadership structure. Staff told us they were able to make suggestions or raise concerns and felt they would be listened to. Staff were up to date with their continuing professional development and told us annual appraisals were carried out.

• There were systems in place for patients to comment on the care and treatment that they received at the practice. This included a suggestion box and annual patient surveys.

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

• Ensure that hand written dental care records are clear and legible.
• Update their policies and procedures for the safe use of dental sharps to reflect the requirements of the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013 and the EU directive concerning the safer use of sharps which came into force in May 2013.

We talked with three people who were visiting the surgery on the morning of the inspection visit.

People told us they could always get an appointment, even in an emergency. People told us they were usually seen promptly once they had arrived for an appointment.

People said they had a good relationship with the dental surgeon and other staff.

We were told that people had their treatment explained to them.

Comments included:

“Yes I had plenty of explanation about the treatment.”

“Normally I don’t wait too long; it’s a bit different if I’ve been fitted in.”

“He’s a really good dentist, very caring and takes a lot of time with me.”

“He’s more than Ok, I’ve tried others and it’s been impossible to get an appointment but here it’s pretty good.”

And

“I’ve no problems.”

We spent time speaking with the dentist and dental nurses. We found they considered meeting the essential standards of quality and safety a priority.