The Implant Experts

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 16 January 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.

The Dental Implants Experts is a private dental practice in Maidstone, Kent which specialises in the surgical and restorative management of dental implants. The premises are located on the ground and first floor and consist of three dental treatment rooms, a large reception and waiting area and a separate decontamination room. There is also a private room available as an option for patients to relax in after lengthy treatment procedures before leaving the practice

The staff at the practice consist of a principal dentist (who is also a specialist in oral surgery), a practice manager, a business manager, three associate dentists (one of whom is a specialist in periodontics), a dental hygienist, three dental nurses and a receptionist.

The principal dentist is the registered manager. A registered manager is a person who is registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. 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.

Our key findings were:

• There was an induction programme for staff to follow which ensured they were skilled and competent in delivering safe and effective care and support to patients.

• The practice ensured staff maintained the necessary skills and competence to support the needs of patients.

• There were effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. We found the treatment rooms and equipment were visibly clean.

• There were systems in place to check equipment had been serviced regularly, including the dental air compressor, autoclaves, fire extinguishers and the X-ray equipment.

• We observed the practice to be focussed around the needs of individual patients. The practice carried out a detailed clinical suitability assessment and treatment planning process for before commencing treatment.

• The practice kept up to date with current guidelines when considering the care and treatment needs of patients.

• The practice placed an emphasis on the promotion of oral and general health and the prevention of dental disease. Appropriate information and advice was available according to patients’ individual needs.

• Staff had been trained to handle emergencies and appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were readily available.

• Patients received comprehensive assessments of their treatment needs. They were given clear explanations about their proposed treatment, and its costs, benefits and risks and were involved in making decisions about it.

• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.

• The appointment system met the needs of patients and waiting times were kept to a minimum.

• Staff demonstrated knowledge of the practice whistleblowing policy and were confident they would raise a concern about another staff member’s performance if it was necessary.

• At our visit we observed staff were kind, caring, very welcoming and worked well as a team.

• Conscious sedation was delivered safely in accordance with current guidelines.

• There was an effective system in place to act on feedback received from patients and staff.

• We reviewed 15 Care Quality Commission (CQC) comment cards that had been completed by patients prior to our inspection. Patients told us they received a very high standard of care in a very welcoming and hygienic environment from staff who worked well as a team and were very caring and professional. Patients also commented that they were able to have detailed discussions about treatment options and staff were always happy to take time to answer any questions.

• The practice is a centre for learning and support for local clinicians involved in the restoration of dental implants. This demonstrates a strong commitment to learning and development in order to provide a high standard of care and support to patients.