We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 08 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

Ashdown dental practice is a dental practice located in Crowbrough, East Sussex. The premises are situated on the first floor of a building accessed by a flight of stairs. There are two treatment rooms, a dedicated decontamination room, a reception area, waiting room and staff room / kitchen.

The practice provides NHS and private services to adults and children. The practice offers a range of dental services including routine examinations and treatment, veneers, crowns and bridges and implants.

The staff structure of the practice comprises a principal dentist (who is also the owner), two dental hygienists, two dental nurses, both of whom are student nurses, a receptionist and the practice manager.

The practice opening hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 5.30pm, Wednesday 8.30am to 6.30pm and Friday 9am to 3pm. Saturday appointments could be arranged for private treatments and emergencies.

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

The inspection took place over one day and was carried out by a CQC inspector and a specialist advisor.

Eight people provided feedback about the service. Patients were positive about the care they received from the practice. They were complimentary about the friendly and caring attitude of the staff.

Our key findings were:

• There were effective systems to reduce and minimise the risk and spread of infection.

• The practice had effective safeguarding processes and staff understood their responsibilities for safeguarding adults and children living in vulnerable circumstances.

• Equipment, such as the air compressor, X-ray units and autoclave (steriliser), had been checked for effectiveness and had been regularly serviced.

• The practice had implemented clear procedures for managing comments, concerns or complaints.

• Patients indicated that they felt they were listened to and that they received good care from a helpful and caring team.

• Staff understood the importance of obtaining informed consent prior to treatment. Staff could demonstrate awareness of the needs of higher-risk groups, including young people and those with impaired decision-making capacity.

• The practice ensured staff maintained the necessary skills and competence to support the needs of patients.
• Staff were well supported and were committed to providing a quality service to their patients.

• Staff had received training appropriate to their role and were supported in their continued professional development.

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

• Arrange current DBS checks for staff to ensure they are safe to work with vulnerable adults and children.

• Collate and maintain a working radiation protection folder.
• Ensure all staff have completed medical emergency training