Updated 5 May 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive on 11 April 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 adviser.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:
• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• 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. Most appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available. However, there were some gaps in available equipment.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The dental clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
Smile With Pride Dental Care Limited is in Woolwich and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.
The dental team includes six dentists, four dental nurses, two dental hygienists and one operations manager. The practice has three treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, two dental nurses, one dental hygienist and the operations manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Wednesday 9am to 6pm
Thursday 9am to 7pm
Friday 8.30am to 5pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement protocols for the use of closed circuit television cameras taking into account the guidelines published by the Information Commissioner's Office.
- 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.
- Improve the security of NHS prescription pads in the practice and ensure there are systems in place to track and monitor their use.