We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 22 June 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

Church Road Dental Practice located in Newham provides NHS and private dental treatment to patients of all ages.

Practice staffing consists of the principal dentist, two associate dentists, 1 dental therapist, four dental nurses and one receptionist.

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 practice is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

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

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

Our key findings were:

• Staff had been trained to handle medical emergencies, and appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were readily available.
• 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.
• There were systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. Dental instruments were cleaned and sterilised in line with current guidance.
• There were systems in place to ensure that all equipment was maintained in line with manufacturer’s guidelines.
• The practice ensured staff were trained and that they maintained the necessary skills and competence to support the needs of patients.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.
• Patients received clear explanations about their proposed treatment, costs, benefits and risks and were involved in making decisions about it.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.
• The practice had a procedure for handling and responding to complaints, which were displayed and available to patients.
• Governance systems were effective and there were a range of policies and procedures in place which underpinned the management of the practice.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided and acted on this to improve its services.
• Rubber dam was used in all root canal treatments.

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

• Review staff awareness of the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities under the Act as it relates to their role.

We spoke to four people using the service, one relative of a person using the service and five members of staff. We looked at nine staff files and six patient records.

Patients spoke positively about the service. We found that people felt their choices about treatment were respected and that they were given enough information. One person told us, “The dentist really helped and supported me.” Another person said, “They don’t talk down to you here."

Patients told us the dentists had taken personal and medical factors into account when planning treatment and we found evidence of this in treatment plans. Patients said, “I would be upset if I had to change dentists” and “I like it – it’s good here.”

Patients told us they were happy with the cleanliness of the premises and treatment areas. We found the practice had adequate infection control mechanisms in place.

Staff told us they felt supported by managers and said “we always talk to each other.” We found evidence that staff were supported to receive appropriate professional development.

Patients told us they were asked for their opinions about the service. We found that the practice responded appropriately to incidents and complaints and that regular audits of the service were carried out.