dentalessence (gentle dental care) Worthing

We found people were protected against the risks of unsafe or unsuitable premises. Fire evacuation procedures had been assessed and reviewed and fire safety equipment had been recently serviced. An external health and safety company had been consulted to help ensure relevant legislation and guidance was fully implemented. We saw risks associated with substances hazardous to health had been identified and controlled so they were minimised. We found all areas of the practice were clean and hygienic and a process was in place to ensure appropriate cleaning standards were maintained.

The provider had effective systems in place to assess and monitor the quality of service provided. There were clear systems in place to identify risks to the health and safety of people who use the service. We found a process in place for recording and learning from any incidents or accidents which occurred. Comments and complaints were used to improve the service and people who use the service were asked for their views on the care and treatment they received. There were clear procedures for receiving, handling and responding to complaints within appropriate timescales.

The provider had an effective system in place to notify the Care Quality Commission (CQC) of incidents specified in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2010 which prevent or are likely to prevent the service's ability to provide safe care and treatment. This included incidents reported to the police and meant people's welfare, health and safety were protected.

During our inspection we spoke with five members of staff including dentists, dental nurses and the practice manager.

We also spoke with people who were receiving treatment on the day of our inspection.

People commented that they were happy with the service they had received and said that they were treated with dignity and respect. One person told us 'This practice is very convenient and the staff are friendly. I am worried about seeing the new dentist today but the practice manager has reassured me that they are very good and will be kind and gentle.' Another person commented "They are very good, helpful and explain what they are doing.'

We found that care and treatment was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people's safety and welfare. People were treated in a caring and professional manner and treatment was assessed and planned to meet individual needs.

There were systems in place to ensure that equipment was safe and in good working order. Following a recent incident relating to information security, the provider had ensured that the computer system security had been reviewed and improved. Appropriate information policies and security measures had been implemented to protect people's personal information and records. However, at the time of our inspection, the provider had failed to notify the Care Quality Commission (CQC) of events surrounding the incident.

We found that people were not adequately protected against the risks of unsafe or unsuitable premises. Fire evacuation procedures had not been assessed and reviewed and fire safety equipment had not been regularly maintained. Health and safety legislation and guidance had not been fully implemented and therefore risks to people associated with substances hazardous to health had not been identified. We found that some areas of the practice were dusty and dirty and there were no processes in place to ensure appropriate cleaning standards were maintained.

The provider did not have effective systems in place to assess and monitor the quality of service provided. There were inadequate arrangements in place to identify risks to the health and safety of people who use the service. Incidents which occurred were not recorded or reviewed. Comments and complaints were not used to improve the service and people who use the service were not asked for their views on the care and treatment they received. There was a lack of clear procedures for receiving, handling and responding to complaints.