We carried out a comprehensive inspection at Oasis Dental Care on 11 February 2015.

Our findings were:

Are services safe?

We found this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services effective?

We found this practice was providing effective care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services caring?

We found this practice was providing caring services in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services responsive?

We found this practice was providing responsive care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services well-led?

We found this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Background

The practice provided NHS, a fixed price private fees arrangement and private dental treatment to patients in the Longfield and surrounding areas of Kent.

The practice first opened in 1990 and provides some NHS and private dental treatment to patients of all ages. The practice delivers general dental services and specialist treatments such as orthodontics and cosmetic dental treatments. The practice team consists of the principal dentist, one associate dentist, an orthodontist and one part time dental hygienist. The clinical team are supported by six dental nurses four of whom perform dual roles within the practice, four receptionists, three of which are registered dental nurses and a practice manager who is also a registered dental nurse.

The practice consists of four treatment rooms with a reception and large waiting area. Patient areas are on the ground and first floor with access suitable for all patients. There is a ramp available which provides flat access to the building.

During our inspection we spoke with four patients and reviewed five comments cards, which patients had completed in the two weeks before our visit. All patients commented positively about the care and treatment they had received and the friendly, efficient and professional staff. A number of patients commented on the sympathetic, understanding dentists who had helped them overcome their fears.

Our key findings were:

• The practice provided a clean well equipped environment
• Staff had been recruited according to the practice policy and procedure and all relevant checks had been made prior to them starting work
• We observed staff were kind and caring in the way they dealt with patients
• There was a regular schedule of staff meetings which included staff training.
• Patients were able to make routine and emergency appointments when needed. There were clear instructions for patients regarding out of hours care.
• There was clear leadership of the practice and staff told us they felt well supported and comfortable to raise concerns or make suggestions.

As part of our inspection we spoke with three patients about the support and treatment they received. They told us that they were happy with the service. One patient said "I am very happy with the practice, staff were helpful and friendly". Another patient said "I get excellent service" and "Staff treat me with respect".

We looked at the records for ten patients. We found these included treatment plans, medical histories, visit dates and the treatments patients had received.

We spoke with four members of staff, including a dental practitioner, who said they had received training for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children. They told us that they felt confident with reporting any concerns they had so that the appropriate action would be taken.

Staff told us about their experience of the support they got to carry out their roles. They told us that they had opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD). We looked at the records for eight staff and we saw that there were verifiable CPD records linked to the persons General Dental Council Registration.

We saw that the service had the appropriate policies in place to manage and monitor the quality of the service provided. These included policies about dealing with emergencies and major incidents.