We carried out a comprehensive inspection of Peace Dental Centre on the 21st May 2015. The practice offers both NHS and private treatments. The staff structure of the practice consists of a principal dentist, two associate dentists, a dental nurse, a receptionist and two trainee dental nurses.

We spoke with two patients who used the service on the day of our inspection and reviewed 11 CQC comment cards that had been completed by patients prior to the inspection. The patients we spoke with were complimentary about the service. They told us they found the staff to be friendly and informative and felt they were treated with respect. The comments on the CQC comment cards were also very complimentary about the staff and the service provided.

During the inspection we spoke with four members of staff, including the principal dentist.

To assess the quality of care provided by the practice, we looked at practice policies and protocols and other records. Our key findings were as follows:

• There were appropriate infection control procedures in place to minimise the risk and spread of infection.
• Patients were involved in their care and treatment planning.
• There was appropriate equipment available for staff to undertake their duties and the equipment was well maintained.
• Patient’s needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered in line with current guidance, for example, from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
• Patients told us they were treated with dignity and respect and involved in treatment planning.
• The practice had procedures in place to take into account any comments, concerns or complaints.
• The principal dentist had a clear vision for the practice. Staff told us they felt well supported and comfortable to raise concerns or make suggestions. There were appropriate governance arrangements in place.

We found that this practice was providing safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

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

• Maintain accurate, complete and detailed records relating to employment of staff. This includes making appropriate notes of verbal reference taken and ensuring recruitment checks, including references, are suitably obtained and recorded.
• Review availability of equipment to manage medical emergencies giving due regard to guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK), and the General Dental Council (GDC) standards for the dental team.
• Ensure a business continuity plan is put in place for the practice.