We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 29 March 2016 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

Kings Dental Care is and family practice located in the high street in East Grinstead and comprises a reception and waiting room.  three treatment rooms, +, a decontamination room, an office, storage and a staff area. The practice is accessible for patients with minor disabilities at the rear entrance, via a small flight of steps.

The practice provides general dental treatment on the NHS to a small number of registered patients, and general dental treatment and a range of more complex treatments, for example, cosmetic treatments and orthodontics, on a private basis.

The practice is open Monday to Friday 8.45am to 5pm.

The practice is staffed by three dentists, a practice manager, two student dental nurse's, a hygienist, a practice manager and two receptionist's.

The principal dentist is the registered manager. A registered manager is a person who is registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. 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.

Sixteen people provided feedback on CQC comment cards about the services provided. Every comment was very positive about the staff and the service. Patients commented that the practice was clean, hygienic and modern, and they found the staff friendly, considerate and caring. They had trust in the staff and confidence in the dental treatments, and said that they were always given clear, detailed and understandable explanations about dental treatment. Several patients commented that the dentists put patients at ease, have their patients’ best interests at heart and listen carefully.

Our key findings were:

• The practice recorded and analysed significant events, incidents and complaints and cascaded learning to staff.

• Staff had received safeguarding training and knew the processes to follow to raise any concerns.

• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of patients.

• Staff had been trained to deal with medical emergencies and emergency medicines and

equipment were readily available.

• Premises and equipment were clean, secure and properly maintained.

• Infection control procedures were in place and the practice followed published guidance.

• Staff were supported to deliver effective care and opportunities for training and learning were available.

• Clinical staff were up to date with their continuing professional development and met the requirements of their professional registration.

• Patient’s care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with evidence-based guidelines, and current practice and legislation.

• 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.