We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 27 September 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

Allsopp & Associates Dental Practice - Bridge Street is a dental practice providing orthodontic (predominantly) and general dental services on a NHS basis. The service is provided by three dentists (one of whom is the provider) and three orthodontic therapists. They are supported by four dental nurses, a practice manager and a receptionist. The dental nurses also carry out reception duties.

The practice is located in Walsall town centre and is near local amenities and bus routes. The premises are situated on the first floor. The practice consists of a waiting room, a reception area, four treatment rooms and toilet facilities. There are also dedicated rooms for storage and also for taking X-rays. The practice opened between 8:30am and 5pm from Monday to Friday. The practice also offered extended opening hours for specific orthodontic items of treatment, such as late evenings on Thursdays.

The provider is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as an individual. 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.

Twenty-six patients provided feedback about the practice. We looked at comment cards patients had completed prior to the inspection and we also spoke with three patients. The information from patients was generally complimentary. Patients were positive about their experience and they commented that staff were friendly, professional and welcoming.

Our key findings were:

• The practice was organised and appeared clean and tidy on the day of our visit. Many patients also commented that this was their experience.
• Patients told us they found the staff polite and friendly. Patients were able to make routine and emergency appointments when needed.
• An infection prevention and control policy was in place. We saw the decontamination procedures followed essential standards.
• The practice had systems to assess and manage risks to patients, including health and safety, safeguarding, safe staff recruitment and the management of medical emergencies.
• Dental professionals provided treatment in accordance with current professional guidelines.
• Staff received training appropriate to their roles.
• There was appropriate equipment for staff to undertake their duties, and equipment was well maintained.
• The practice had an effective complaints system in place and there was an openness and transparency in how these were dealt with.
• Staff told us they felt well supported and comfortable to raise concerns or make suggestions.
• Practice meetings were used for shared learning.
• The practice demonstrated that they regularly undertook audits in infection control, radiography and dental care record keeping.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements and should:

• Review the current legionella risk assessment once it is available and implement any required actions.
• Review the protocol for completing accurate, complete and detailed records relating to the recruitment of staff. This includes ensuring recruitment checks, including references and records of immunisation status, are suitably obtained and recorded.

We visited Allsopp & Associates Dental Practice - Bridge Street on Friday 10 May 2013. We met with the registered manager Dr Allsopp, the practice manager, a head nurse and a dental nurse. We spoke with four people over the telephone after our visit. We were told that they were involved in all decisions about their treatment. One person said: "They are great I never have a problem". Another person said: "They explain my treatment and I am aware of the options".

Patient records demonstrated that thorough examinations were undertaken. People said they were happy with the services provided at this dental practice.

Emergency medication and equipment was available and ready for use. Staff had received training to manage emergency situations.

Records showed the cleaning regimes followed by staff. Decontamination practices ensured that used dental equipment was suitably cleaned and sterilised. The four people we spoke with told us that the dental practice was always clean.

Staff received regular training to enable them to keep up to date with current working practices. Appraisal and regular staff meetings helped to ensure that staff received support to be able to do their job.

Satisfaction survey results showed that people were very satisfied with the service provided at this dental practice. One person told us: "I cannot speak highly enough of them". Another person said: "All my family are with this practice we are very happy with everything".