Smilepod - Soho

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 7 March 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. Improvements were needed so that the clinical team follow relevant dental related 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. Improvements were needed so that audits and reviews are carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines, and include action plans to drive improvements.
• 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

Smilepod - Soho is part of Smile Pod Limited, a group dental provider.

The practice is in the London Borough of Westminster and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is no step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Patients who require step free access can be referred to one of the provider’s nearby locations.

The dental team includes 4 dentists, 2 dental hygienists, 3 dental therapists, and 1 dental nurse. The clinical team are supported by 2 receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has 4 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, the dental nurse, and the practice manager. We also spoke with the organisations managing director.

We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open between 9am and 6pm on Mondays to Fridays.

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

• Implement audits for prescribing of antibiotic medicines taking into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry.
• Improve the practice's protocols for medicines management and ensure effective stock monitoring to minimise risk of misuse.
• Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the guidance provided by the College of General Dentistry when completing dental care records.
• Take action to ensure the service takes into account the needs of patients with disabilities and to comply with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.