Smile and Wellbeing Limited - Bishop's Stortford

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on Smile and Wellbeing Limited - Bishop's Stortford 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 generally 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.
• 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 and Wellbeing Limited - Bishop's Stortford is in Bishop’s Stortford and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements. The practice is not wheelchair accessible due to it being on the first floor and is accessed via a flight of stairs. Patients who require wheelchair access are signposted to a nearby practice which is fully accessible. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice in a public car park.

The dental team includes 1 principal dentist, 1 dental nurse, 2 receptionists, 1 of whom is also the practice manager. The practice has 2 treatment rooms, although only 1 is currently in use.

During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, the dental nurse, the 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 8.30am until 7pm

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8.30am until 5.30pm

Friday 8.30am until 2pm.

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

• Improve the practice's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, to ensure risk assessments are undertaken and the products are stored securely.