We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 10 November 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

Grimethorpe and Shafton Dental Practice is situated in the Grimethorpe area of Barnsley. It offers mainly NHS treatment to patients of all ages but also offers private dental treatments. The services include preventative advice and treatments and routine restorative dental care. Treatment and waiting rooms are all on the ground floor of the premises.

The practice has four surgeries, a decontamination room, a waiting area and a reception area. The practice is fully accessible for patients with disabilities.

There are three dentists, two dental nurses (one of whom is a trainee), two receptionists and a practice manager. They are also supported by a practice administrator.

The opening hours are Monday to Friday 8-30am to 6-00pm.

The practice owner is the registered manager. A registered manager is a person who is registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. 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.

On the day of inspection 19 patients provided feedback. The patients were positive about the care and treatment they received at the practice. They told us they were treated with dignity and respect in a clean and tidy environment, informed of treatment options, were able to make appointments in a timely manner and were made to feel comfortable and relaxed.

Our key findings were:

• The practice had systems in place to assess and manage risks to patients and staff including infection prevention and control, health and safety and the management of medical emergencies.
• Patients were involved in making decisions about their treatment and were given clear explanations about their proposed treatment including costs, benefits and risks.
• Oral health advice and treatment were provided in-line with the ‘Delivering Better Oral Health’ toolkit (DBOH).
• We observed that patients were treated with kindness and respect by staff. Staff ensured there was sufficient time to explain fully the care and treatment they were providing in a way patients understood.
• Patients were able to make routine and emergency appointments when needed.
• The practice had a complaints system in place and there was an openness and transparency in how these were dealt with.
• There were clearly defined leadership roles within the practice and staff told us that they felt supported, appreciated and comfortable to raise concerns or make suggestions. Staff received training appropriate to their roles.

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

• Aim to repair the tear in the upholstery of the dental treatment chair in surgery three.

Aim to record on the Legionella risk assessment when it has been reviewed.