We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 13 March 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 Oaks Dental Practice is in Eldwick near Bingley, West Yorkshire and provides private treatment to adults and children. The practice offers restorative and cosmetic treatments

The dentist is located on the first floor of a purpose-built building. Patients, wheelchair users or people with pushchairs can access the practice through a shaft lift from the ground floor to the 1st floor. Car parking is available outside the practice.

The dental team is comprised of a dentist, two dental nurses, a dental hygienist, and a receptionist.

The practice has two surgeries, two decontamination rooms (dirty and clean areas in separate rooms) a waiting / reception area and a staff room/kitchen.

On the day of inspection we received 41 CQC comment cards providing extremely positive feedback. The patients were complimentary about the care they received at the practice. They told us they found the staff friendly and caring.

The practice is open: Monday 10am-6:30pm, Tuesday 10am-7:30pm, Wednesday 9am-12pm, Thursday 8:00am-4:30pm, Friday 9am-2pm and Saturday 9am-1pm.

The principal dentist is registered with the Care Quality Commission 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.

Our key findings were:

• The practice appeared clean and well maintained.
• Infection control procedures were robust and the practice followed published guidance.
• Staff had been trained to handle medical emergencies and appropriate medicines and equipment were readily available in accordance with current guidelines. We found that medicines stored in the fridge may be compromised by fluctuating temperatures.
• The practice had systems in place to manage risks.
• Staff understood and received safeguarding training and knew how to recognise signs of abuse and how to report it.
• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of patients.
• Treatment was well planned and provided in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.
• The appointment system met patients’ needs.
• The service was aware of the needs of the local population and took these into account in how the practice was run
• The practice was well-led and staff felt involved and supported and worked well as a team.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided.
• Complaints were responded to in an efficient and responsive manner.
• Patients received information about their care, proposed treatment, costs, benefits, and risks and were involved in making decisions about it
• Clinical and non-clinical audits were completed but we noted the X-ray audits were not carried out regularly.

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

• Review the frequency of X-ray audits.
• Review the storage of medicines requiring refrigeration to ensure they are stored in line with the manufacturer’s guidance and the fridge temperature is monitored and recorded.

During the inspection we had the opportunity to speak with three people who used the service. They told us they were satisfied with the care and treatment provided. Their comments included “They are brilliant, very professional, I have confidence in the dentist” and “I get personalised care, it is a really good standard and I have no problems getting an appointment.”

We found the provider had appropriate systems in place to ensure consent was gained before they proceeded with the examination or treatment.

We found the provider had taken steps which ensured the care and welfare of people who used the service. There were arrangements in place to deal with medical emergencies.

We found the provider operated in clean and tidy facilities and had suitable infection

prevention and control protocols in place.

We found the provider ensured staff were suitably trained and supported in carrying out their role.

We saw evidence there was an appropriate system in place for listening to and acting on people's comments and concerns.