We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 18 June 2015.

The practice is owned by James and Susan Leigh who are both dentists. Mrs Leigh acts as the practice manager. They are supported by three dental nurses and a receptionist.

The practice provides primary dental services to private adult patients and NHS services to children. The practice is open Monday 9am – 6pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9am – 5.30pm. Wednesday 9am – 5pm and Friday 8.30 – 4pm.

One of the dentists is the registered person for the practice. 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 viewed 48 CQC comment cards that had been left for patients to complete, prior to our visit, about the services provided. All of the comment cards reflected positive comments about the staff and the services provided. Patients commented that the practice was clean and hygienic, they found the staff very friendly and approachable and they found the quality of the dentistry to be excellent. They said explanations were clear and made the dental experience as comfortable as possible

The practice was providing care which was safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Our key findings were:

• The practice recorded and analysed significant events and complaints and cascaded learning to staff.
• Staff had not received formal safeguarding training but knew the processes to follow to raise any concerns.
• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of patients.
• Staff had been trained to deal with medical emergencies and appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were readily available.
• Infection control procedures were in place and the practice followed published guidance.
• Patient’s care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with evidence based guidelines, best practice and current legislation.
• 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 the needs of patients and waiting times were kept to a minimum.
• There was an effective complaints system.
• The practice was well-led and staff felt involved and worked as a team.
• Governance systems were effective and there was a range of clinical and non-clinical audits to monitor the quality of services.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided.

There was one identified area for improvement.

All staff should under take formal safeguarding training for both children and vulnerable adults.

We spoke with patients when we visited who all commented they were very happy with the service. They all said they saw the dentist regularly and felt the care they received was excellent.

They confirmed that the dentist always explained what they were doing, what they had found during examination and what the treatment options were. They confirmed they had received information to enable them to decide upon treatment options.

Patients told us that the practice appeared very clean and staff mainly wore protective equipment when treating them. Feedback received from patients during the inspection confirmed that patients were happy with the service they receive.