Smile Together Camborne

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 17 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. 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 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 provider is part of a corporate group, Smile Together, and this report is about Smile Together Camborne.

Smile Together Camborne is in Camborne and provides NHS specialist care and paediatric dental services.

There is step free 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 practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 3 dentists and 2 dental nurses. The team is supported by a larger management, reception, and human resources team at one of the practice’s sister sites. The practice has 2 treatment rooms (of which 1 is not in use). There is a current vacancy for a specialist in special care dentistry.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dental nurses, 2 senior managers and a member of the human resources team. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open: Monday to Thursday 8.30am – 5.00pm.

Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, the practice was as paper free as possible, and there were recycling points in the practice. The provider had a staff cycle to work scheme. There was a company sustainability policy, staff impact action group, and the provider was ‘B Corporation’ certified. This is a business sustainability and environmental impact award, which any business can apply to and be assessed for. We believe this has a positive impact upon ensuring environmental sustainability is at the forefront of dental provision within the organisation.

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

• 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 for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment. In particular, by reviewing the policy for thyroid collar use and use of the orthopantomogram (OPG) machine.

• Take action to ensure audits are site specific and have, where appropriate, documented learning points and the resulting improvements can be demonstrated.