Smile Stylist

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 2 November 2022 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 was visibly 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 help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• 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.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines. Improvements are needed to bring the provision of sedation in line with national guidance.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved and 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 dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

Smile Stylist is in Manchester and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces are available near the practice.

The dental team includes 1 principal dentist, 3 associate dentists, 3 visiting dentists, 3 dental nurses, 1 treatment co-ordinator (who is also a qualified dental nurse), 1 patient co-ordinator (who is also a qualified dental nurse), 1 receptionist and 1 practice manager. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the principal dentist, 1 associate dentist, 2 dental nurses, the treatment co-ordinator, the receptionist and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday from 7:30am to 4pm

Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 6pm

Thursday from 10am to 8pm

Friday 10am to 2pm

One Saturday a month from 9am to 3pm.

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

• Take action to ensure the clinicians take into account the 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’. In particular, ensure pre-assessment is completed at an appointment separate to the sedation appointment, appropriate strength Midazolam is available for use and the sedation team have received Immediate Life Support training to manage medical emergencies.