Updated 28 September 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive on 30 August 2022 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 adviser.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following five 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 was visibly clean and well-maintained.
- The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Most appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available. However, the portable suction and paediatric pads for the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) were not available.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- 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.
- The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and 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 dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
Dream Smile Dental Clinic is in Lewisham and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is level 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 dental team includes eight dentists, two dental nurses, one head nurse, one dental hygienist and two receptionists. The practice has three treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, the head nurse, two dental nurses, two receptionists and the practice compliance lead. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Tuesday 10.00am to -6pm
Wednesday 10.00am to 8pm
Thursday 10.00am to 8pm
Friday 10.00am to 6pm
Saturday 10.00am to 8pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement protocols for the use of closed-circuit television cameras taking into account the guidelines published by the Information Commissioner's Office
- Take action to ensure the availability of medicines in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the British National Formulary and the Resuscitation Council.
- Improve the practice's protocols and procedures for the use of X-ray equipment in compliance with The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and taking into account the Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment published by the College of Dentistry (CG Dent).