Perfect Smile Clapham Junction

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We found this practice was providing safe care in line 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 Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. Whilst the practice identified and managed risks there were some areas where there had been a lapse in oversight which had led to minor omissions.

The practice had arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment and most of the required radiation protection information was available. Following the inspection, we were sent further evidence to demonstrate that all required maintenance had been carried out.

The practice managed fire safety, and fire exits were clear and well signposted. Improvements were underway to ensure that weekly and monthly checks of firefighting equipment were carried out consistently.

The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter although we noted that 2 dental chairs required review due to rust. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely.

Staff could access emergency equipment and medicines that were checked in line with national guidance. They knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year.

Staff also participated in medical emergency scenario training during monthly staff meetings.

We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions.

The practice had systems for appropriate and safe management of medicines. NHS prescription pads were kept securely, and a log was in place to monitor and track their use.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff. However, these were not consistently followed in some areas. The practice should improve their procedures to ensure accurate, complete and detailed records are maintained for all staff.

The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover.

Newly appointed staff had an appropriate role specific structured induction.

Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were enough staff on duty at all times. They demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew how to escalate safeguarding concerns within the practice and externally.

The practice had systems in place to monitor and update staff training, including continuing professional development. During our inspection we noted that several staff members had not completed training modules in sequence, however we were told that this had been addressed and plans were in place to ensure staff completed the modules in the correct order, supporting the effective development of knowledge and understanding.

Although not all staff had completed training in learning disability and autism, we were assured that the group were planning to roll out role-appropriate training to staff in the near future.

There were processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during practice team meetings and ongoing informal discussions. Improvements were underway to ensure that appraisals were carried out consistently. Staff felt respected, supported and valued.

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance.

Staff received appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes.

Staff used personal protective equipment and decontaminated dental instruments after use, in line with national guidance. We saw, and staff confirmed that single-use items were not reprocessed. During the inspection, improvements were made to ensure that staff were aware of equipment protocols to consistently carry out the processes for the decontamination of dental instruments.

The practice had effective procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment and current guidance.

The practice had protocols to ensure effective cleaning and safe segregation and disposal of hazardous waste.

Equipment was maintained and serviced in line with manufacturers’ instructions.

The practice completed infection prevention and control audits in line with current guidance.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.