We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 8 October 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

The practice provides primary care dental services under the NHS to patient in Sunderland.

The practice is open for making appointments: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

There a dentist, five dental nurses and a hygienist/practice manager.

The registered provider, the dentist is the owner of the practice. 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 also received four Care Quality Commission comment cards. All the comments were positive about the staff and the services provided.

Our key findings were:

• There was an effective complaints system.
• Staff had received safeguarding training, knew how to recognise signs of abuse and how to report it.
• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of patients.
• Staff had been trained to manage medical emergencies.
• Infection control procedures were in accordance with the published guidelines.
• Patient care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with evidence based guidelines and current regulations.
• 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.
• Patients could access routine treatment and urgent care when required.
• The practice was well-led and staff felt involved and supported and worked well as a team.
• The governance systems were effective.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided.

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

• The registered provider should consider using rubber dams in accordance with guidance issued by the British Endodontic Society.
• Ensure that they follow the guidance issued by the Faculty of General Dental Practice including taking X-rays in accordance with the frequency periods they advise.
• Ensure that legionella risk assessments are undertaken in accordance with recommended frequencies.
• Ensure that there is a lone working policy in place.

We spoke to three patients who described the care they experienced. They all felt that the practice delivered care and treatment in a way that met their needs and felt safe when they had treatment.

The people we spoke with were all positive about their experiences at this practice, and had no concerns about the service they received.

People told us they were happy with the service provided. They said staff were good at discussing all their treatment options and they felt they had realistic expectations of the procedures they were having.

One person said "I am happy with the treatment I am receiving. The dentist has been great and explained everything clearly”.

Another person said "I was not confident in coming to the dentist. Since I have been the dentist has been very patient with me and I am glad I came to this practice."