A routine inspection took place in August 2014 which identified that the provider had not carried out regular checks to assess, monitor and manage aspects of the service which may pose a risk to the safety of people who use the service. Also professional guidance had not been followed in relation to providing equipment and medicines for use in an emergency.

This concern was judged to have had a moderate impact on people who used the service.

The provider was required to submit a plan detailing the action they were taking to ensure compliance with this standard and the date at which they would be compliant. The provider told us in their plan that they would be compliant with this standard by 31 October 2014.

At this inspection we found that the provider had taken appropriate measures to achieve compliance.

The provider had an effective system in place to identify, assess and manage risks to the health, safety and welfare of people who use the service and others.

During our visit we spoke with the two dentists who worked at the practice. They explained how treatment options were discussed with their patients. We saw that patient records contained a record of the treatment options that had been discussed to enable patients to make informed decisions.

Patients’ needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual treatment plan. During our visit we spoke with four patients about their care and treatment. All of the patients we spoke with commented positively on the way the dentist explained their treatment and how the dentist kept them informed throughout their treatment.

We saw at this practice there were systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection.Staff were able to demonstrate their awareness of the safe practices required in relation to infection prevention and control.

The practice sought continuous patient feedback. The most recent comments included: “Always very satisfactory” and “Very good clean place”. However the practice did not have a regular audit plan. They were unable to provide evidence that they audited the care and systems at the practice in order to ensure they delivered a high quality service to patients.

The equipment and emergency medicines available at the practice should a medical emergency occur did not match those recommended by the Resuscitation Council and the British National Formulary. This meant that the provider had not followed relevant professional advice to mitigate any risk to patients.

Patients spoke highly of the dental service provided at Wickham dental Practice. They told us staff were always friendly and helpful. They were provided with verbal and written information about the various treatments, including the costs of the various treatments. This meant that they were able to make informed decisions about their treatment plans.

They said they were always pleased with the standard of treatment they received at the dental practice and that staff “couldn’t have been kinder.” Patients confirmed they are given advice about maintaining good dental health. They told us that the reception and surgeries were always clean and they did not have any concerns with hygiene practices.