We carried out this announced inspection on 22 September 2017 under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. We planned the inspection to check whether the registered provider was meeting the legal requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations. The inspection was led by a CQC inspector who was supported by a specialist dental adviser.

We told the NHS England area team and Healthwatch that we were inspecting the practice. NHS England provided information which we took into account.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following five questions:

• Is it safe?

• Is it effective?

• Is it caring?

• Is it responsive to people’s needs?

• Is it well-led?

These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.

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

Seven Kings is located in Ilford in the London Borough of Redbridge. The practice provides predominantly NHS and some private dental treatments to patients of all ages.

There is located on the ground first floor of a purpose adapted residential premises. The practice has two treatment rooms, one of which is located on the ground floor. The practice is located close to local bus and train transport links.

The dental team includes the principal dentist, one dental nurse and one receptionist.

The practice is owned by an individual who is the principal dentist there. They 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 three patients via CQC comment cards. This information gave us a positive view of the practice.

During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, one dental nurse and the practice receptionist. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open between 9am and 5pm on Mondays and Thursdays, between 9am and 6pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and between 9am and 1pm on Fridays.

Our key findings were:

• The practice was clean and well maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• Staff knew how to deal with emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• The practice had systems to help them assess and manage risk.
• The practice had suitable safeguarding processes and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding adults and children.
• The practice had thorough staff recruitment procedures.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Staff treated patients with dignity and respect and took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
• The appointment system met patients’ needs.
• The practice had effective leadership. Staff felt involved and supported and worked well as a team.
• The practice asked staff and patients for feedback about the services they provided.
• The practice dealt with complaints positively and efficiently.

We spoke to three people who used the service. They told us "it's brilliant" and "I can't fault them". People who used the service were given appropriate information and support regarding their care and treatment. They said they could get an emergency appointment on the same day if they needed one. People we spoke with knew what treatment they were due to have, how long it would take and the cost.

Staff recorded peoples' individualised care on treatment plans. Records were kept securely and could be located promptly when needed. they were legible and concise.

Staff had undertaken training in basic life support and infection control. Equipment was available to respond to emergencies.

The practice was clean and tidy on the day of our inspection, and people who used the service told us that the practice was always clean. Instruments were appropriately decontaminated and stored safely.

Clinical audits were carried out and results were actioned. Equipment was regularly maintained.