Smile House Dental Practice

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 23 February 2022 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 adviser.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:

• Is it safe?

• Is it effective?

• 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 to be visibly 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 help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• 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.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved and 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 dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider has two practices and this report is about Smile House Dental Practice.

Smile House Dental Practice is in Sutton and provides NHS and private dental care treatment for adults and children.

There is access via a ramp to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available near the practice for a fee. The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional needs.

The dental team includes two principal dentists, four associate dentists, four dental nurses, one trainee dental nurse, one dental hygienist and one receptionist. The principal dentists both carry out the practice manager role. The practice has five treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with both principal dentists, one associate dentist, one dental nurse and the receptionist. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9am - 6pm

Thursday 9am - 7.45pm

Friday 9am – 6pm.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

Implement an effective system of checks of medical emergency equipment; in particular, the oxygen cylinder taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.