We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 15 December 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

Ace Dental located in Kentish Town London, provides NHS and private dental treatment to patients of all ages.

Practice staffing consists of the principal dentist, five dentists, one implantologist, one orthodontist, one hygienist, three dental nurses, one receptionist and a practice manager.

The principal dentist is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as an individual

registered person. 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.

The practice is open Monday and Friday 9am to 6pm. Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday 10am to 2pm

The practice facilities include four treatment rooms, a reception and waiting area, decontamination room, office and staff room/kitchen.

8 patients provided feedback about the service. Patients we spoke with and those who completed comment cards were very positive about the care they received from the service. Patients told us that they were happy with the treatment and advice they had received.

Our key findings were:

• There were systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. Dental instruments were cleaned and sterilised in line with current guidance.
• Patients received clear explanations about their proposed treatment, costs, benefits and risks and were involved in making decisions about it.
• Staff had received safeguarding children and adults training and knew the processes to follow to raise any concerns. The practice had whistleblowing policies and procedure and staff were aware of these and their responsibilities to report any concerns.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.
• Equipment, such as the autoclaves, fire extinguishers, and X-ray equipment had all been checked for effectiveness and had been regularly serviced.
• The practice had a procedure for handling and responding to complaints, which were displayed and available to patients.
• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned in line with current guidance such as from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
• The practice sought feedback from patients about the services they provided and acted on this to improve its services.

• Staff had been trained to handle medical emergencies, and appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were readily available.
• Governance systems were effective and there were a range of policies and procedures in place which underpinned the management of the practice. Clinical audits were carried out to monitor the quality of services.