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

U Dentistry is situated in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. It offers private dental treatments including dental implants, endodontics, cosmetic dental treatment, conscious sedation and periodontal treatments.

The practice has two surgeries, a decontamination room, a large waiting area and a reception area. All facilities are located on the ground floor of the premises.

There are five dentists, two dental hygienists, one dental nurse, a receptionist and a practice manager.

The opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8-45am to 5-00pm. Appointments were also available outside these hours by prior arrangement.

The practice manager 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.

During the inspection we received feedback from 32 patients. The patients were positive about the care and treatment they received at the practice. Comments included that the staff were friendly and caring and the surgery was immaculate. They also commented that the treatment provided was of the highest standards and the service is excellent.

Our key findings were:

• The practice had systems in place to assess and manage risks to patients and staff including infection prevention and control, health and safety and the management of medical emergencies.
• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of patients.
• Staff had been trained to manage medical emergencies.
• Infection control procedures were in accordance with the published guidelines.
• Treatment was well planned and provided in line with current best practice guidelines.
• Patients received clear explanations about their proposed treatment, costs, benefits and risks and were involved in making decisions about it.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.
• The appointment system met patients’ needs.
• The practice was involved in the local community and charities.
• The practice was well-led and staff felt involved and supported and worked well as a team.
• The governance systems were effective.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided.