We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 29 September 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

Background

Sidcup Dental Spa is located in the London Borough of Bexley and provides private dental services. The demographics of the practice is mixed, serving patients from a range of social and ethnic backgrounds. The practice is open Monday to Friday with a range of opening times including evening and Saturday by appointment. The practice facilities include two consultation rooms, reception and waiting area, decontamination room and a staff area. The premises were wheelchair accessible and had facilities for patients with mobility issues.

The staff structure of the practice is comprised of the principal dentist and a dental nurse. There is also a nurse who is used on a casual basis to cover.

The principal dentist is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as an individual. 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 14 patients through completed Care Quality Commission comment cards. Patients’ feedback was positive and they were happy with staff, the service they were provided and the physical environment of the practice.

Our key findings were:

• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned in line with current guidance.
• Patients' were involved in their care and treatment planning so they could make informed decisions.
• There were effective processes in place to reduce and minimise the risk and spread of infection, however improvements were required in relation to following published infection control guidance.
• Staff had access to emergency drugs to enable the practice to respond to medical emergencies. Medical oxygen was also available and staff knew where the equipment was stored.
• All clinical staff were up to date with their continuing professional development.
• There was appropriate equipment for staff to undertake their duties, and equipment was maintained appropriately.
• Appropriate governance arrangements were in place to facilitate the smooth running of the service.