We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 18 February 2016 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

Loughton Dental Centre Limited is located in the Epping Forrest District and provides NHS and private dental treatment to both adults and children. The practice carried out mainly private treatment. The premises are on the ground floor and consist of two treatment rooms, a consultation room, a reception area and a dedicated decontamination room. The practice is open Monday and Tuesday 9:00am – 6:00pm, Wednesday 9:00am – 5:00pm, Thursday 9:00am – 8:00pm, Friday and Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm.

The staff consists of three dentists, two dental hygienists, two dental nurses, one receptionist and a trainee dental nurse. 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.

We spoke with two patients, reviewed 15 CQC comment cards and reviewed the practice patient comments log book. Patients were positive about the service. They were complimentary about the friendly and caring attitude of the staff.

The inspection took place over one day and was carried out by a CQC inspector and a dental specialist advisor

Our key findings were:

• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned in line with current guidance such as from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

• The practice had an ongoing programme of risk assessments and audits which were used to drive improvement.

• 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.

• The practice had effective safeguarding processes in place and staff understood their responsibilities for safeguarding adults and child protection.

• Equipment, such as the air compressor, autoclave (steriliser), fire extinguishers, and X-ray equipment had all been checked for effectiveness and had been regularly serviced.

• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.

• The practice had implemented clear procedures for managing comments, concerns or complaints.

• Patients told us that they found the team to be efficient, professional, caring and reassuring.

• There was a comprehensive induction and training programme for staff to follow which ensured they were skilled and competent in delivering safe and effective care and support to patients.

• All clinical staff were not up to date with their continuing professional development in line with requirements from the general dental council.

• The practice had not carried out an infection control audit in the last 12 months.

• The practice did not have an effective system in place to check the expiry dates of the medical emergency drugs, equipment and dental materials.

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

• Review the practice’s audit protocols for infection control at regular intervals to help improve the quality of service. The practice should also check all audits have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.
• Review stocks of medicines and equipment and the system for identifying and disposing of out-of-date stock.
• Review the protocols and procedures to ensure staff are up to date with their mandatory training and their Continuing Professional Development.

People told us they were satisfied with the treatment they received at The Loughton Dental Centre. They confirmed that that they were given good information about planned treatments so they could make the right decision for them on how to proceed. One person said, “This is not my first time here and I always get good treatment.”

We found that treatment was planned in a way that was intended to ensure people's safety and welfare. We saw that arrangements were in place to deal with foreseeable emergencies.

The provider had taken reasonable steps to protect people from the risk of abuse. This included training for staff, clear policies on safeguarding vulnerable adults and children and a policy on chaperones. This was to provide a safe environment for both people who used the service and for staff.

People were cared for by staff who were supported to deliver treatment safely and to an appropriate standard. Two of the people we spoke with told us that the dentist was “very gentle”. One person said of the staff, “I have confidence in their professional ability.”

The provider had a complaints procedure in place that was accessible to people. People told us they had no complaints but would feel confident in raising any concerns as the staff were approachable.