We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 3 February 2017 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 Ivory Room Dentalcare located in Islington provides private dental treatment to patients of all ages.

Practice staffing consists of the principal dentist, one hygienist and two dental nurses/receptionists.

The principal dentist is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as an individual registered person. 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 practice is open Monday 8am to 4pm Wednesday 12pm to 8pm and Saturday Thursday 9am to 5pm

The practice facilities include one treatment room, a reception and waiting area a decontamination room and staff room/kitchen

34 patients provided feedback about the service. Patients who completed comment cards were very positive about the care they received from the service. Patients told us that they were happy with the treatment and advice they had received.

Our key findings were:

• The practice had a procedure for handling and responding to complaints, which were displayed and available to patients.
• Equipment, such as the autoclaves, fire extinguishers, and X-ray equipment had been checked for effectiveness and had been regularly serviced.
• There were systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. Dental instruments were cleaned and sterilised in line with current guidance.
• Staff had received safeguarding children and adults training and knew the processes to follow to raise any concerns. The practice had whistleblowing policies and procedure and staff were aware of these and their responsibilities to report any concerns.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.
• Staff had been trained to handle medical emergencies, and appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were readily available.
• The practice ensured staff were trained and that they maintained the necessary skills and competence to support the needs of patients.
• Patients received clear explanations about their proposed treatment, costs, benefits and risks and were involved in making decisions about it.
• The practice sought feedback from patients about the services they provided and acted on this to improve its services.
• Patients’ needs were assessed and care was planned in line with current guidance such as from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
• Governance systems were effective and there were a range of policies and procedures in place which underpinned the management of the practice.

We spoke to two patients and three staff members. Patients we spoke to told us that the appointment system worked well. They were able to book appointments ‘very easily,’ and at times convenient to them, and were seen promptly by dental staff. People we spoke to told us ‘everything is so good,’ and ‘it’s more modern and professional than the previous surgery I went to.’

People told us that their treatment options and costs were explained to them and their privacy and dignity were respected. They were positive about their dentists’ skills, the practice environment, and the knowledge and friendliness of staff.

Comments recorded in the practice's record of ‘what our patients say’ included: ‘The surgery is bright and modern and staff are friendly and caring,’ ‘I just want to say a big thank you for all your kindness during my recent visits,’ and ‘Having had bad previous experiences – strange as it may seem, I kind of look forward to my next check up in a couple of months time.’

Appropriate records were kept of each appointment including initial assessments and medical histories.

The clinic environment appeared to be clean and hygienic, and improvements suggested were put in place regarding infection control procedures.