We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 25 August 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.

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.

Twenty One Dental is a general dental practice in Hove, East Sussex, offering private dental treatment to adults and children.

The practice is situated in the centre of Hove. The practice has two dental treatment rooms, a decontamination room for the cleaning, sterilising and packing of dental instruments, a reception area and a waiting area. The treatment rooms are located on the ground floor. The side entrance to the practice is fully accessible for patients with mobility difficulties.

The practice is open Monday 8.30am to 8.00pm, Tuesday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.30pm and Friday 8.30 to 5.00pm. The practice does not offer Saturday appointments at present. The practice has an out of hours emergency service.

Twenty One Dental has one dentist, one dental nurse and one hygienist. The clinical team are supported by a senior concierge/ administrator.

Before the inspection we sent CQC comments cards to the practice for patients to complete to tell us about their experience of the practice. We collected 12 completed cards. All of the comments cards provided a positive view of the service the practice provides. Patients commented that staff were helpful, friendly and respectful. Patients wrote that they were treated with dignity and care. Several patients also commented that the environment was safe and hygienic. We also spoke with four patients during our inspection who were highly satisfied with the treatment and support they received at the practice.

Our key findings were:

• The practice had modern furnishings and the equipment used for the treatment of patients was up to date.
• There were systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. The practice was visibly clean and well maintained.
• Patients were highly satisfied with the treatment they received and were complimentary about staff at the practice.
• Staff felt well supported in their role and the registered manager was highly visible.
• The practice ensured staff maintained the necessary skills and competence to support the needs of patients.
• We observed that staff showed a caring and attentive approach towards patients. All patients were recognised and greeted warmly on arrival by the concierge.
• The dental care records we looked at provided full and accurate details of the treatment and care which patients received.
• Comments cards were available for patients to complete. However, the practice had not received any completed cards from patients within the last year. The practice had received positive written testimonials.

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

• Implement the gathering and analysis of patient feedback cards in order to take patient’s comments and views into account.