We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 20 April 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

The practice offers both NHS and private primary care dentistry to adult patients and children.

The practice is open Monday to Friday from 09.00am to 5.00pm, and opens one Saturday per month. The reception remains open during lunchtimes.

There are three dentists, a foundation dentist, six dental nurses, one dental hygienist, one therapist, two receptionists and practice manager. The principal dentist is the registered provider and manager for the practice. 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. Dental Foundation Training (DFT) introduces new graduates to general dental practice. It provides a protected environment to work in for a year whilst they undertake training to prepare for working in the NHS.

We received feedback from patients about the service via 40 Care Quality Commission (CQC) feedback comment cards

Our key findings were:

• There was appropriate equipment for staff to undertake their duties, and equipment was well maintained.
• There was an effective complaints system.
• Staff had received safeguarding training, knew how to recognise signs of abuse and how to report it.
• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of patients.
• Staff had been trained to manage medical emergencies.
• Infection control procedures were in accordance with the published guidelines.
• Patient care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with evidence based guidelines and current regulations.
• 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.
• Patients could access routine treatment and urgent care when required.
• The practice was well-led, staff felt involved and supported and worked well as a team.
• The governance systems were effective.