We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 18 August 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.

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.

Portslade Dental Centre is a general dental practice in Portslade, East Sussex, offering NHS and private dental treatment to adults and children.

The practice is situated in the centre of Portslade. The practice has seven dental treatment rooms, a decontamination room for the cleaning, sterilising and packing of dental instruments and a reception and waiting area. Two of the treatment rooms are located on the first floor. The main entrance to the practice is fully accessible for patients with mobility difficulties.

The practice is open Monday to Wednesday 8.00am to 8.00pm and Thursday to Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm. The practice does not offer Saturday appointments at present.

Portslade Dental Centre has six dentists, seven dental nurses (three of whom are trainees) and two hygienists. The clinical team are supported by a practice manager and an assistant manager, both of whom are qualified dental nurses. There are four receptionists at the practice.

Before the inspection we sent CQC comments cards to the practice for patients to complete to tell us about their experience of the practice. We collected 28 completed cards. All of the comments cards provided a positive view of the service the practice provides. Patients commented that staff were courteous, professional and respectful. Patients wrote that they were treated with dignity and care. Several patients also commented that the environment was safe and hygienic. We also spoke with five patients during our inspection who were highly satisfied with the treatment and support they received at the practice.

Our key findings were:

• The practice took into account patient feedback, comments and complaints.
• There were systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. The practice was visibly clean and well maintained.
• Patients were highly satisfied with the treatment they received and were complimentary about staff at the practice.
• Staff received regular appraisals and felt well supported by their peers and managers.
• The practice ensured staff maintained the necessary skills and competence to support the needs of patients.
• We observed that staff showed a caring approach towards patients. All patients were recognised and greeted warmly on arrival by the reception staff.
• The dental care records we looked at provided full and accurate details of the treatment and care which patients received.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements and should:

• Consider the use of rubber dams by all dentists at the practice.
• Review the current Health and Safety and sharps guidelines (2013) in relation to the handling of sharps.
• Implement the use of surgery checklists which demonstrate the flushing of water lines in all surgeries.
• Review the current uniform protocol which reflects the 2010 NHS Uniforms at Work guidance.
• Implement a system of annual radiography and clinical records audits for all dentists at the practice which clearly demonstrate that learning has taken place as a result.
• Consider the re-location of emergency medical equipment to a more secure area within the practice.
• Review the 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.
• Implement medical emergency scenario training and fire drills at the practice.
• Check that all staff recruitment files are complete, particularly with regards to references and interview notes.