We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 29 July 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

Spondon Dental Limited is located close on the eastern outskirts of the city of Derby with good public transport links into the city. The practice is situated on a bus route, and there is free street parking opposite the practice.

Spondon Dental Limited treats both private and NHS patients, with the majority (approximately 90%) being private patients, mostly from Spondon or the surrounding area.

The practice has four dentists. In addition, the practice has four dental nurses plus one receptionist and a practice manager. The practice is situated in an ordinary domestic house adapted to become a dental surgery. The practice provides services on two floors and has a reception area on the ground floor. The practice is wheelchair accessible.

The practice opening hours are: Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. With an late opening on Tuesdays until 6:00 pm.

The principal dentist is the registered manager. A registered manager is a person who is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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 viewed 38 CQC comment cards that had been completed by patients, about the services provided. All 38 comment cards had solely positive comments. Patients’ comments focussed on the friendliness, professionalism and approachability of the staff. Several comments focussed on the dentists helping the patient feel relaxed and comfortable.

Our key findings were:

• The practice recorded significant events and complaints and shared learning from them with staff.
• All staff had received safeguarding vulnerable adults and children, and whistle blowing training and knew what to do and how to raise any concerns.
• The practice was clean and well maintained.
• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified and experienced staff to meet the needs of patients.
• Staff had been trained to deal with emergencies.
• There was appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment available.
• The practice had infection control procedures and followed the related guidance.
• Patients’ care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with evidence based guidelines, good practice and current legislation.
• The practice had engaged with local school children to improve their oral health and give positive messages about dentists and dentistry.
• Patients received explanations about their proposed treatment, costs, options and risks and were involved in making decisions.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and their confidentiality was maintained.
• The practice was well-led and staff worked as a team.
• Governance systems were effective and the practice completed a range of clinical and non-clinical audits to monitor the quality of services.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided.