Smile Together Lescudjack (Penzance)

Updated 17 January 2025

We carried out this announced on-site assessment on 3 March 2025.

We found the practice had not met all regulations.

Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation and a culture of continuous improvement.

Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance.

Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our assessment, could access care, support and treatment when required.

Smile Together Lescudjack (Penzance) is part of Smile Together Dental CIC, a dental group provider. The practice is in Penzance, Cornwall and provides urgent and emergency care, including out of hours at this location and special care, paediatric and orthodontic services on a referral only basis to both adults and children.

There was step-free access to the practice and car parking spaces available near the practice.

The practice had 3 treatment rooms. At the time of our assessment there was 1 dentist, 5 dental nurses, 1 receptionist, the registered manager and an interim practice manager. There were also a number of visiting dental clinicians including 2 dentists (1 with a special interest in orthodontics), 1 foundation dentist, 1 dental hygiene therapist and 1 outreach dental nurse.

We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our assessment, including 1 dentist, 1 dental nurse, the registered manager, the interim practice manager, and the company compliance lead.

Staff feedback forms were shared with the team ahead of the assessment, giving staff an opportunity to confidentially share their views about the practice. We received 8 responses, which were considered as part of the assessment.

The provider was not complying with Regulation 17. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the assessment findings below.

We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.

Updated 17 January 2025

Two weeks before our on-site assessment, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. On the day of our assessment, we saw patient feedback from 6 patients.

Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.

Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness.

Patients felt able to book appointments within an acceptable timescale for their needs and said they had enough time during their appointment without feeling rushed.

Patients told us they were given clear information to help them make an informed choice about their treatment and any associated costs. They were involved in decisions about their care.

Patients told us that when they were prescribed medicines, sufficient information was given.

Patients told us that they were supported to maintain their oral health and were provided with appropriate information and resources.

The practice shared patient feedback with the team. We were told this was reviewed and where suggestions had been made, appropriate action would be taken.