We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 16 July 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.

White Peak Dental Practice is located close to the centre of Ashbourne in Derbyshire, near the bus station. There are good public transport links with car parking at the bus station, and nearby street parking.

The practice treats only private patients, mostly from Ashbourne or the surrounding area. Patients are across the whole range of ages from children to older people.

The practice has two dentists who are directors of the practice and two associate dentists. Two dental therapists and six dental nurses plus one trainee dental nurse. There was one reception co-ordinator and a team of receptionists and administrative staff to provide support to the dental team.

The practice opening hours are: Monday: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm; Tuesday, Thursday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm; Wednesday: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The practice was closes 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm each day for lunch although reception is usually kept open during lunch.

One of the partners is the registered manager. A registered manager is a person who is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 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.

We viewed 59 CQC comment cards that had been completed by patients, about the services provided. All 59 comment cards had positive comments about the staff and the services provided. Many comment cards using words such as: “excellent”,“very good” and “professional” in their description of the service. In addition we spoke with three patients who also provided positive feedback about the practice and the dental treatment they had received. Comments particularly focussed on the caring nature of the staff, and how well the practice met patient’s needs.

Our key findings were:

• The practice recorded and analysed significant events and complaints and shared learning with staff.
• Staff had received safeguarding and whistle blowing training and knew the procedures 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 handle emergencies and appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were readily available.
• Infection control procedures were in place and the practice followed the related 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, options 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.
• The practice was well-led and staff 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