We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 10 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.

The inspection took place over one day and was undertaken by a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspector and dental specialist adviser. We spoke with staff and reviewed policies and procedures and dental care records. Seven patients gave us feedback about the service.

Kew Road Dental is situated on Kew Road and located in the London Borough of Richmond. The practice provides private dental services and treats both adults and children. The practice offers a range of dental services including dental hygiene, inlays and dental implants.

The practice opening times are as follows: Monday 9am-6pm; Tuesday 9am-7pm; Wednesday 9am-6pm; Thursday 9am-7pm; Friday 9am-3pm; Saturday 10am-2pm;  Sunday closed.

Facilities within the practice include one treatment room, a dedicated decontamination room, and a reception area. There are a further two rooms in the practice that are not currently being used. The principal dentist told us that they were in the process of being developed into treatment rooms as part of the practice’s renovation plans.

The staff structure of the practice is comprised of a principal dentist (who is also the owner), a trainee dental nurse and a receptionist.

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 that provided feedback said 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:

• Maintain accurate, complete and detailed records relating to employment of staff. This includes keeping appropriate records of references taken.

• 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.