Updated 11 August 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 19 July 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. Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- 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, with the exception of checks carried out on agency staff.
- 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.
- The practice had some systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. Improvements should be made to ensure any risks identified are assessed and mitigated in a timely manner.
- 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
The Smile Clinic Preston is part of Smart Dental a dental group provider. The practice is in Preston in Lancashire and provides NHS and 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 is located close to local transport routes and car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.
The dental team includes 2 dentists, 3 dental nurses, 1 dental therapist, 1 practice manager and 1 receptionist. The practice has 2 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 1 dental nurse and the practice manager. The group operations manager was also on site during the inspection. 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 5pm
Friday from 8.30am to 2pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Review the practice's risk management systems for monitoring and mitigating the various risks arising from the undertaking of the regulated activities. In particular, improve oversight to ensure risks identified are actioned in a timely manner.
- Improve the practice's recruitment policy and procedures to ensure accurate, complete and detailed records are maintained for all staff. In particular relating to agency staff.
- Implement an effective system for recording, investigating and reviewing incidents or significant events with a view to preventing further occurrences and ensuring that improvements are made as a result.
- Take action to improve audits to ensure that, where appropriate, they have documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.