We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 14 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

The practice offers private primary care dentistry to adult patients and children are treated under the NHS.

The practice is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.00pm, with a late opening until 7.00pm on Tuesday. It is closed each lunch time from 1.00pm to 2pm. The reception remains open during lunchtimes.

There are four dentists, seven dental nurses, four dental hygienists, one therapist, a receptionist, a cleaner and a practice manager.

The principal dentist is the registered provider for the practice and the practice manager is the registered manager. 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.

We received feedback from patients about the service via 16 Care Quality Commission (CQC) comment cards. All the comments were positive about the staff and the services provided. Comments included: great quality of care, staff are courteous, helpful and understanding and provide a great service.

Our key findings were:

• 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.

We were unable to speak to people who used the service on the day of our inspection. We did however read results from the practice's last independent survey. We found a number of positive quotes including;

"They explain everything in detail, and outline the available options with supporting recommendations. I have never before received such a high level of service and reassurance."

"Cleanliness. Friendly. Professional."

"I don't have to come here very often but when I do everyone is nice and friendly. They put your mind at rest if you are feeling nervous."

We found that people who used the service were included in discussions about their care and treatment and were given appropriate information about the treatment and it's cost. We also found that treatment was provided in a safe and effective manner by staff who were appropriately skilled and experienced to do so.

We observed that the practice was clean and hygienic and that appropriate procedures were in place to maintain this.