Smile Design Dental Ltd

On this page

• Overview
• Shared direction and culture
• Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders
• Freedom to speak up
• Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion
• Governance, management and sustainability
• Partnerships and communities
• Learning, improvement and innovation

We found this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Shared direction and culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Freedom to speak up is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The practice had a governance system that included policies and procedures, which were accessible to staff and were reviewed on a regular basis.

Systems and processes were embedded, and the inspection did not highlight significant issues or omissions. Areas requiring improvement were acted on immediately.

Staff were aware of the importance of protecting patients’ personal information. Staff password protected patients’ electronic care records, and paper records were stored securely and complied with General Data Protection Regulations.

The practice had CCTV systems in place; however, governance arrangements did not fully support the lawful use of CCTV. A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) had not been completed, and a privacy notice was not displayed to inform patients, staff, and visitors that they may be recorded. Following the inspection, the provider submitted evidence demonstrating that a DPIA had been completed and that appropriate CCTV privacy notices had been implemented.

There were effective processes for identifying and managing risks, investigating incidents and accidents, and for receiving and acting on safety alerts.

The practice had systems and processes for learning, quality assurance and continuous improvement. This included undertaking audits according to recognised guidance.

Concerns and complaints were responded to appropriately, and outcomes were discussed to share learning and for improvement.

We noted innovative approaches to providing person-centred care. For example, clinicians used visual aids, including digital radiographs and clinical photographs, to help patients better understand their oral health needs and treatment options.

Staff had clear responsibilities, and systems of accountability to support good governance.

Staff feedback was obtained through meetings and informal discussions. Staff were encouraged to share suggestions for improving the service and told us these were listened to and acted upon where appropriate. For example, the practice had replaced outdated computer equipment in response to concerns about performance and efficiency and had introduced tea and coffee facilities to enhance the experience of both patients and staff.

The practice gathered feedback from patients, the public and external partners, and responded accordingly.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, it had adopted digital systems to reduce paper use, implemented recycling initiatives, and moved away from the use of plastic sleeves where possible to help reduce plastic waste.

The judgement for Partnerships and communities is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.

The judgement for Learning, improvement and innovation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Well-led key question.