We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 31 July 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

Hillview Dental is located in the London Borough of Lewisham, provides private and NHS dental services and treats both adults and children.

The staff structure of the practice is comprised of a principal dentist (who is also the owner), three dentists, one hygienist, two receptionists, two dental nurses and one trainee dental nurse.

Facilities within the practice include four treatment rooms, a dedicated decontamination area, and a reception area.

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 best practice 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.
• Patients told us that staff were caring and treated them with dignity and respect.
• There were processes in place for patients to give their comments and feedback about the service including making complaints and compliments.
• There was a clear vision for the practice. Governance arrangements were in place for the smooth running of the practice.

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

• 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 availability of 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 monitoring the use of x-ray equipment giving due regard to the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R) 2000.

• Review infection control procedure in regards to conducting legionella risk assessments, giving due regard to relevant guidance outlined in the Health Technical Memorandum 01-05.
• Review the practice's protocols for completion of dental records giving due regard to guidance provided by the Faculty of General Dental Practice regarding clinical examinations and record keeping.