• Dentist
  • Dentist

The Smile Clinic, Mill Road, Mile End

61 Mill Road, Mile End, Colchester, CO4 5LJ (01206) 851448

Provided and run by:
The Smile Clinic Limited

All Inspections

6 February 2024

During a routine inspection

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 6 February 2024 under section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions.

We planned the inspection to check whether the registered practice was meeting the legal requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations.

The inspection was led by a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspector who was supported by a specialist dental advisor.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 questions:

  • Is it safe?
  • Is it effective?
  • Is it caring?
  • Is it responsive to people’s needs?
  • Is it well-led?

These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.

Our findings were:

  • The dental clinic appeared clean and well-maintained.
  • The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
  • Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
  • The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
  • Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
  • The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
  • Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
  • Patients were treated with dignity and respect. Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
  • Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
  • The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
  • The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
  • There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Staff felt involved, supported and worked as a team.
  • Staff and patients were asked for feedback about the services provided.
  • Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
  • The practice had information governance arrangements.

Background

The Smile Clinic, Mill Road, Mile End is in Colchester, Essex and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 3 dentists, 3 dental nurses (including 2 trainee dental nurse), 1 dental hygienist, 1 practice manager and 2 receptionists. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 3 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 receptionist and 1 practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Tuesday from 9am to 7pm.

Wednesday from 9am to 6pm.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, reducing printing of documents, turning electricity off when not required and recycling where possible.

2 May 2013

During a routine inspection

One person told us, 'This is my first visit, the service was highly recommended to me.' Another person told, 'It's just down the road to me so easily accessible and they had spaces.' One person told us that they had used the service for three years, and found the service to be 'Very good and the staff are very friendly'. They told us that they had been 'Fitted in' for an emergency appointment and that appointments generally ran on time.

People told us that they were consulted about the different treatment options and that they were able to make an informed choice before consenting to treatment. Records were accurate and provided a clear audit trail of treatments planned and carried out.

We found that systems were in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. The surgery was clean and tidy and staff understood the cleaning procedures to be followed. Records showed that equipment was regularly maintained which ensured it was safe to be used. Staff were familiar with policies and procedures to follow if they believed a child or vulnerable adult was at risk of abuse. Staff received appropriate training and support to carry out their designated roles. Systems were in place to ensure the quality and safety of the service provided.