We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 07July 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.

Perfect Smile – Earlsfield is located in the London Borough of Wandsworth and provides private and NHS dental services. Facilities within the practice include two treatment rooms, a dedicated decontamination area, and a reception area.

The practice is open 6 days a week. The opening times are:

8.30am -6.30pm on Mondays; 8.30am - 6.00pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 9.00am - 6.00pm on Thursday; 9.00am -5.00pm on Friday and 9.00am - 1.00pm on alternate Saturdays.

The staff structure of the practice is comprised of a principal dentist (who is also the owner), three dentists, one hygienist, a practice manager, three receptionists, two dental nurse and one hygienist.

The practice manager was 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.

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. We spoke with four patients on the day of the inspection and received 24 CQC comment cards completed by patients prior to the visit.

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 we spoke with and CQC comment cards received 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 the practice’s protocols for the use of rubber dam for root canal treatment giving due regard to guidelines issued by the British Endodontic Society.