We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 20 January 2017 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

The Art of Dentistry located in Colchester provides private dental treatment to patients of all ages.

Practice staffing consists of a principal dentist, three associate dentists, five hygienists, two dental nurses, four trainee dental nurses, two receptionists and a practice manager.

The principal dentist 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.

The practice is open Monday and Thursday 8am to 7pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 8am to 5.30pm, Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 8am to 1pm

The practice facilities include four treatment rooms, reception and waiting area, decontamination room, office, treatment coordinator room and a staff kitchen.

43 patients provided feedback about the service. Patients we spoke with and those who completed comment cards were very positive about the care they received about the service. Patients told us that they were happy with the treatment and advice they had received.

Our key findings were:

• There were systems in place to ensure that all equipment was maintained in line with manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Patients received clear explanations about their proposed treatment, costs, benefits and risks and were involved in making decisions about it.
• The appointment system met the needs of patients and waiting times were kept to a minimum.
• The practice ensured staff were trained and that they maintained the necessary skills and competence to support the needs of patients.
• Staff had received safeguarding children and adults training and knew the processes to follow to raise any concerns. The practice had whistleblowing policies and procedure and staff were aware of these and their responsibilities to report any concerns.
• The practice had a procedure for handling and responding to complaints, which were displayed and available to patients.
• There were systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. Dental instruments were cleaned and sterilised in line with current guidance.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.
• Staff had been trained to handle medical emergencies, and appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were readily available.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided and acted on this to improve its services.
• Governance systems were effective and there were a range of policies and procedures in place which underpinned the management of the practice. Clinical and non-clinical audits were carried out to monitor the quality of services.