Smile Tech Dental

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 18 July 2023 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. Although some training had lapsed 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. However, some training had not been completed and some had expired.
• The practice had staff recruitment procedures which mostly reflected current legislation. Improvements were required as some documents had expired or were not available.
• 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

Smile Tech Dental is in Greenhithe and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice is located within Bluewater shopping centre.

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 6 dentists, 4 registered dental nurses, 1 trainee dental nurse, a dental therapist, a practice manager and 3 receptionists. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with a dentist, a dental nurse, a receptionist and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

• Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm
• Saturday 9am to 7pm
• Sunday 11am to 5pm

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

• Implement an effective system of checks of medical emergency equipment and medicines taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.
• Take action to ensure that all the staff have received training, to an appropriate level, in the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
• Improve the practice's recruitment policy and procedures to ensure accurate, complete and detailed records are maintained for all staff.
• Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the Faculty of General Dental Practice.

Implement practice protocols and procedures to ensure staff are up to date with their mandatory training and their continuing professional development.