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

Prestbury Dental Practice is located in a residential suburb close to the centre of Prestbury. It comprises a reception and waiting room, two treatment rooms and patient toilet facilities. The practice is located on the first floor of the premises, accessed by an internal flight of stairs. Parking is available near the practice. The practice is accessible to patients with disabilities, limited mobility, but not to wheelchair users.

The practice provides general dental treatment to patients of all ages on an NHS or privately funded basis. The opening times are Monday to Thursday 8.15am to 5.00pm, (closed for lunch between 1.00pm and 2.00pm), and Friday 8.15am to 3.30pm, (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.00pm).9.00am to 5.00pm. The practice is staffed by two principal dentists, a dental therapist, two dental hygienists, and five dental nurses, one of whom is a trainee and one of whom is the practice manager.

The practice manager is the registered manager. A registered manager is a person who is registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. 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.

We received feedback from 88 people during the inspection about the services provided. Patients commented that they found the practice excellent and that staff were professional, friendly, and caring. They said the dentists listened to them and they were always given good and helpful explanations about dental treatment. They highlighted that advice given was excellent. Patients commented that the practice was clean and comfortable and that they were always seen promptly in an emergency.

Our key findings were:

• The practice had procedures in place to record, analyse and learn from significant events and incidents.
• Staff had received safeguarding training, and knew the processes to follow to raise concerns.
• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified and skilled staff to meet the needs of patients.
• Staff had been trained to deal with medical emergencies, and emergency medicines and equipment were available.
• The premises were clean, secure and well maintained.
• Staff followed current infection control guidelines for decontaminating and sterilising instruments.
• Patients’ needs were assessed, and care and treatment were delivered, in accordance with current standards and guidance.
• Patients received information about their care, proposed treatment, costs, benefits, and risks and were involved in making decisions about it.
• Staff were supported to deliver effective care, and opportunities for training and learning were available.
• Patients were treated with kindness, dignity, and respect, and their confidentiality was maintained.
• The appointment system met the needs of patients, and emergency appointments were available.
• The practice gathered the views of patients and took their views into account.
• Staff were supervised, felt involved, and worked as a team.
• Governance arrangements were in place for the smooth running of the practice.

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

• Review the protocol for maintaining accurate, complete and detailed records relating to the employment of staff. This includes ensuring recruitment checks on qualifications, are carried out and recorded.
• Review the storage of paper dental care records to ensure they are stored securely.