We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 25 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.

The Lodge Dental Practice is a general dental practice in Uckfield, East Sussex, offering private dental treatment to adults and children.

The practice is situated in the centre of Uckfield. The practice has two dental treatment rooms, a decontamination room for the cleaning, sterilising and packing of dental instruments, a reception area and a waiting area. One of the treatment rooms is located on the lower ground floor. The practice does not have full disabled access due to steps at the front of the practice.

The practice is open Monday 9.00am to 6.00pm, Tuesday 8.30am to 6.00pm, Wednesday 8.30am to 5.30pm, Thursday 8.30am to 5.00pm and Friday 9.00 to 1.00pm. The practice does not offer Saturday appointments at present.

The Lodge Dental Practice has one dentist, one dental nurse and one hygienist. The clinical team are supported by a practice manager who also works on reception.

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 44 completed cards. All of the comments cards provided a positive view of the service the practice provides. Patients commented that staff were helpful, polite and considerate. Patients wrote that they were treated with dignity and care. Several patients also commented that the environment was safe, comfortable and clean. We also spoke with four patients during our inspection who were highly satisfied with the treatment and support they received at the practice.

Our key findings were:

• There were systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. The practice was visibly clean and well maintained.
• The practice had effective systems in place to gain the comments and views of people who used the service.
• Patients were highly satisfied with the treatment they received and were complimentary about staff at the practice.
• Staff had received training appropriate to their roles and were supported in their continued professional development (CPD).
• We observed that staff showed a caring and attentive approach towards patients. All patients were recognised and greeted warmly on arrival at reception.
• The dental care records we looked at provided full and accurate details of the treatment and care which patients received.

• The practice had effective safeguarding processes in place and staff understood their responsibilities for safeguarding adults and children.
• Staff were proud of the practice and their team. Staff felt well supported and were committed to providing a quality service to their patients.

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

• Review the current systems in place to document full informed consent within patient’s dental records.