• Dentist
  • Dentist

Dental Smile Clinic

41A High Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 7HX (01992) 464899

Provided and run by:
Dental Smile Clinic

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

Dental Smile Clinic is in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is located on the first floor and so is not accessible for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. However, a stairlift has been installed to assist patients with mobility issues to access the practice. 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 4 dentists, 1 locum dentist, 3 dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, and a business manager. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.

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

The practice is open:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 5.30pm

Wednesday from 9am to 6.30pm

Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability by using digital X-ray systems to reduce the amount of radiation released into the environment and digitalised patient care records to reduce paper usage as far as possible. In addition, the practice utilised a scanner to reduce the need for impression materials and gypsum and had installed a sensor operated light in the decontamination room.

3 October 2013

During a routine inspection

When we inspected Dental Smile Clinic on 03 October 2013 we found that people were provided with information about their treatment and they were asked for their consent. One person who was visiting the practice said, 'I always understand what I am getting.' Another person told us, 'I am given plenty of information about what the different options and costs are.'

People's needs were assessed and treatment was planned and delivered in line with those individual needs. This included an assessment of people's general health as well as an oral examination. One person said, 'I always discuss my treatment with the dentist.'

Staff were trained in basic life support and emergency equipment was inspected weekly.

The provider followed an up to date infection control policy. Instrument decontamination was carried out in accordance with Department of Health guidelines.

Dentists and dental nurses maintained their professional registration by means of appropriate continuing professional development sessions. Staff were supported by annual appraisals as well as by regular training sessions and informal discussions.

The provider carried out a range of audits in order to improve the service. People were also asked for their views about the service and these were acted upon.