We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 11 January 2017 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

Ivory Dental Care Park Road is a subsidiary practice of Ivory Dental Care Whitegate Drive and is situated in the town centre of Blackpool. The practice has four surgeries, a decontamination room, a reception area, a consulting room, a laboratory and staff facilities. The reception area, three surgeries and the patient toilet are on the ground floor of the premises. The remaining surgery is situated on the first floor. Access to the practice is not restricted. The practice moved to the premises in 2008.

There are three principal dentists who are supported by five associate dentists, two part time dental hygiene therapists, 10 qualified dental nurses, four trainee dental nurses, four receptionists and a practice manager. There is also a designated decontamination nurse working in the practice.

The opening hours are Monday and Tuesday from 8.30am to 5.30pm and Wednesday and Thursday from 8.30am to 7.30pm. The practices closes at 2pm on a Friday. The reception remains open throughout the day.

The principal dentists are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as a partnership. 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.

During the inspection we reviewed 41 completed CQC comment cards. The patients were positive about the care and treatment they received at the practice. Comments included staff were friendly, polite and caring. They also commented that treatments were explained clearly, they were listened to and options about treatment were offered.

Our key findings were:

• The practice was visibly clean and uncluttered.
• The practice had systems in place to assess and manage risks to patients and staff including health and safety and the management of medical emergencies.
• Staff were qualified and had received training appropriate to their roles.
• Patients were involved in making decisions about their treatment and were given clear explanations about their proposed treatment including costs, benefits and risks.
• Dental care records 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 (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.
• The practice had a complaints system in place and there was an openness and transparency in how these were dealt with.
• Patients were able to make routine and emergency appointments when needed.
• The governance systems were effective.
• 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.

People we spoke with during our visit commented they were very happy with the service and they saw their dentist regularly. They told us the care they received was excellent. They confirmed that the dentist always explained what they were doing, what they had found during examination and what the treatment options were. They told us they found staff approachable and that they felt able to ask the dentist questions or make comments about their treatment.

The people we spoke with during our visit said they were very happy with the care and treatment provided. They told us the practice was flexible and would always fit them in if they needed to see a dentist urgently.

"I am very happy with my dentist. If I need treatment he always explains to me what is required and the various options available for alternative treatment".

"I have always been able to access the dentist in an emergency. The staff are very helpful and accommodating".

"I have been with this practice for over twelve months. They provide a brilliant service in my opinion. The staff are pleasant and friendly. I have never had a problem getting an appointment and never have to wait long when I arrive at the surgery".

"Very professional and well run practice. I always find my dentist gentle and patient when providing my treatment".

They provide an absolutely fantastic service I cannot praise them high enough. I always feel comfortable and safe during treatment".