We carried out a comprehensive inspection of Hyslop Dental and Implant Clinic on 19 January 2015.

Hyslop Dental and Implant Clinic is situated near Southport town centre. It offers both NHS and private dental care services to patients of all ages. The services provided include preventative advice and treatment and routine and restorative dental care. The principal dentist carries out dental implants both for patients who attend this practice and for patients who have been referred by other local dental practices.

Hyslop Dental and Implant Clinic has two full time dentists and one part time dentist, five dental nurses, a dental hygienist/therapist, a practice manager and supporting administration staff. The dental nurses carry out extended duties including taking of X-rays and providing fluoride applications.

We spoke with two patients who used the service on the day of our inspection and reviewed 29 completed CQC comment cards. Patients we spoke with and those who completed comment cards were positive about the care they received from the practice. They commented staff were caring, helpful and respectful.

Our key findings were:

• The practice had systems to monitor patient safety through reporting and learning from incidents and significant events. The premises were clean and there was clear guidance available for staff regarding infection prevention and control.

• The practice carried out oral health assessments and planned treatment in line with current best practice guidance for example from the Faculty of General Dental Practice (FGDP). Staff received training appropriate to their roles and told us they felt well supported to carry out their work.

• Patients told us they were treated with kindness and respect by staff. Staff were knowledgeable about patient confidentiality and we observed good interaction between staff and patients during the inspection.

• The practice had recorded and acted upon complaints made in order to improve the service for patients. Patients were able to make routine and emergency appointments when needed. There were clear instructions for patients regarding out of hours care.

• There were clearly defined leadership roles within the practice and staff told us they felt well supported and comfortable to raise concerns or make suggestions.