We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 16 August 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

Elite Dental Care Hendon is located in the London Borough of Barnet and provides NHS and private dental treatment to both adults and children. The premises are on the first floor and consist of one treatment room and a reception area. The practice is open Monday 9:00am – 7:00pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:00am – 5:30pm, Wednesday 8:30am – 5:30pm and Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm.

The staff consists of the principal dentist, two associate dentists, three dental nurses, a receptionist and the practice manager.

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.

We reviewed 25 CQC comment cards and the NHS Friends and Family test. Patients were positive about the service. They were complimentary about the friendly and caring attitude of the staff.

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

Our key findings were:

• 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).
• We found the dentists regularly assessed each patient’s gum health and took X-rays at appropriate intervals.
• Patients were involved in their care and treatment planning so they could make informed decisions.
• There were effective processes in place to reduce and minimise the risk and spread of infection.
• The practice had effective safeguarding processes in place and staff understood their responsibilities for safeguarding adults and child protection.
• Equipment, such as the autoclave (steriliser), fire extinguishers, and X-ray equipment had all been checked for effectiveness and had been regularly serviced.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.
• The practice had implemented clear procedures for managing comments, concerns or complaints.
• Patients indicated that they found the team to be efficient, professional, caring and reassuring.
• Patients had good access to appointments, including emergency appointments, which were available on the same day.
• Leadership structures were clear and there were processes in place for dissemination of information and feedback to staff.

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

• Review availability of medicines and equipment to manage medical emergencies giving due regard to guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK), and the General Dental Council (GDC) standards for the dental team.
• Review the practice’s protocols for the use of rubber dam for root canal treatment giving due regard to guidelines issued by the British Endodontic Society.
• Review the practice’s protocols and procedures for promoting the maintenance of good oral health giving due regard to guidelines issued by the Department of Health publication ‘Delivering better oral health: an evidence-based toolkit for prevention’.

The practice's reception area was spacious and bright and staff provided a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Patients we spoke to about the practice were positive about the treatment they had received. They said that they felt involved in their treatment and that this was explained to them in a way they understood. Patients said they felt able to ask questions about their treatment to ensure they knew what to expect. They said the practice was well kept and accessible and that they had no concerns about the cleanliness of the waiting area or consultation room. They said staff were always professional and helpful.