We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 23 December 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

Grimsby Dental Care is situated in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire. It offers mainly NHS dental treatment but also offer private options. The services include preventative advice and treatments and routine restorative dental care.

The practice is situated in a two story building. There is step free access to the premises.

The practice has one surgery, a decontamination room, a waiting area and a reception area. The surgery, reception area and waiting area are on the ground floor of the premises.

There is one dentist and two dental nurses (one of whom is a trainee) who also cover reception duties. They are supported by a regional manager and the registered provider.

The opening hours are Monday to Friday from 9-00am to 5-00pm.

During the inspection we reviewed feedback from 12 patients. The patients were generally 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 and were able to make appointments in a timely manner.

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.
• Staff received training appropriate to their roles.
• Dental care records were detailed and showed that treatment was planned in line with current best practice guidelines.
• Oral health advice and treatment were provided in-line with the ‘Delivering Better Oral Health’ toolkit.
• Patients were treated with care, respect and dignity.
• 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 to the registered provider.

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

• Aim to undertake regular staff meetings.