Updated 24 August 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 2 August 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. Not all appropriate life-saving equipment was available. Missing items were ordered immediately following this inspection.
- 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.
- 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 Concepts is in Solihull, West Midlands and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. The practice provides a car park for patients. 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, 2 specialist dentists, (1 specialist in endodontics
periodontics, prosthodontics and restorative dentistry and the other in oral surgery) 7 dental nurses, 3 dental hygienists, 1 dental therapist, 1 practice manager and 1 receptionist. The practice has 5 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 1 dental nurse, 1 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 Thursday from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Friday from 8am to 3.30pm and alternate Saturdays from 9am to 5pm.
The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, a company is used to collect recycling such as glass, carboard and plastic. Information was available for staff regarding recycling and waste in a dental practice. Staff took part in Recycle4Charity who recycled inkjet cartridges. Staff were reminded to turn off lights when not in a room.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure the availability of equipment in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.
- Take action to ensure that dental nursing staff who assist in conscious sedation have the appropriate training and skills to carry out the role, taking into account guidelines published by The Intercollegiate Advisory Committee on Sedation in Dentistry in the document 'Standards for Conscious Sedation in the Provision of Dental Care 2015.