We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 16 December 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 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 practice offers private primary care dentistry to adult patients and children are treated under the NHS. The practice is a British Dental Association (BDA) Good Practice Scheme gold member and a Denplan excel practice. Both these schemes are a framework for continuous improvement in the provision of dental care.

The practice is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm. It closed each lunch time from 12.30 to 2pm.

There are three dentists, four dental nurses, two trainee dental nurses, two dental hygienist/ therapists, a receptionist, a cleaner and a practice manager supported by an assistant manager. The practice manager is a dental therapist/hygienist whilst the assistant manager is a dental nurse.

The principal dentist is the registered provider for the practice and the practice manager is the registered manager. 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 received feedback from patients about the service via 10 Care Quality Commission (CQC) comment cards. All the comments were positive about the staff and the services provided. Comments included: staff are helpful, understanding and provide a great service.

Our key findings were:

• There was an effective complaints system.
• Staff had received safeguarding training, 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.
• Staff had been trained to manage medical emergencies.
• Infection control procedures were in accordance with the published guidelines.
• Patient care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with evidence based guidelines and current regulations.
• 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.
• Patients could access routine treatment and urgent care when required.
• The practice was well-led, 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.