We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 5 December 2016to 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

Chelsea Dental Clinic located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and provides private dental services. The practice also provides specialist services including endodontics.

The opening hours for the practice were Monday to Friday 9.00am.00 to 6.00pm.

The premises consist of two treatment rooms, a decontamination room, a waiting area and reception area.

The practice comprises of a principal dentist, six dentists, a dental nurse, and a trainee dental nurse /receptionist.

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.

During the inspection we asked patients to complete CQC comment cards. We received feedback from 11 patients. The patients who provided feedback were positive about the care and treatment they received at the practice. They told us they were involved in all aspects of their care and found the staff to be caring and helpful and they were treated with care, dignity and respect.

Our key findings were:

• There were effective processes in place to reduce and minimise the risk and spread of infection.
• 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).
• Patients were involved in their care and treatment planning.
• There was appropriate equipment for staff to undertake their duties and equipment was well maintained.
• Staff were trained in and there was appropriate equipment for them to respond to medical emergencies.
• Patients told us that staff were caring and treated them with dignity and respect.
• Patients indicated that they felt they were listened to and that they received good care from a helpful and caring practice team.
• There were processes in place for patients to give their comments and feedback about the service including making complaints and compliments.

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

• Review the practice’s protocols for medicines management and ensure all medicines are stored safely and securely.

.

People who use the service were satisfied with the clinic and appreciated the quality of treatment they received. The people we spoke to were new to the practice and had walked in off the street.

People told us that they were treated professionally and participated in planning their dental treatment. They told us that staff had explained their treatment options and gave them information about likely outcomes and costs.

People who use the service said they were treated with respect and had their privacy protected.

People can give feedback by filling in a form at the practice. We saw notes of a regular meeting where patient feedback was discussed and acted on.