We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 30 June 2016 to ask the practice the following key questions; Are services safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?

Our findings were:

Are services safe?

We found that this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations

Are services effective?

We found that this practice was providing effective care in accordance with the relevant regulations

Are services caring?

We found that this practice was providing caring services in accordance with the relevant regulations

Are services responsive?

We found that this practice was providing responsive care in accordance with the relevant regulations

Are services well-led?

We found that this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations

Background

Smile Dental Surgery located in Newham provides NHS and private dental treatment to patients of all ages.

Practice staffing consists of the principal dentist, one therapist/hygienist/practice manager, two dental nurses and one receptionist.

The principal dentist is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as an individual. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the practice is run.

The practice is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

The practice facilities include two treatment rooms, reception and waiting area and a staff room/kitchen.

47 patients provided feedback about the service. Patients we spoke with and those who completed comment cards were very positive about the care they received about the service. Patients told us that they were happy with the treatment and advice they had received.

Our key findings were:

• Staff had been trained to handle medical emergencies, and appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were readily available.
• Staff had received safeguarding children and adults training and knew the processes to follow to raise any concerns. The practice had whistleblowing policies and procedure and staff were aware of these and their responsibilities to report any concerns.
• There were systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. Dental instruments were cleaned and sterilised in line with current guidance.
• There were systems in place to ensure that all equipment was maintained in line with manufacturer’s guidelines.
• The practice ensured staff were trained and that they maintained the necessary skills and competence to support the needs of patients.
• Patients received clear explanations about their proposed treatment, costs, benefits and risks and were involved in making decisions about it.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.
• The appointment system met the needs of patients and waiting times were kept to a minimum.
• The practice had a procedure for handling and responding to complaints, which were displayed and available to patients.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided and acted on this to improve its services.
• Governance systems were effective and there were a range of policies and procedures in place which underpinned the management of the practice. Clinical and non-clinical audits were carried out to monitor the quality of services.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements and should:

• Review staff awareness of the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities under the Act as it relates to their role.
• Review the practice’s protocols for the use of rubber dam for root canal treatment taking into account guidelines issued by the British Endodontic Society.

Before people received any care or treatment they were asked for their consent and the provider acted in accordance with their wishes.

People told us they were very happy with their care and treatment. They said they could make an appointment easily. One person said “He’s an amazing dentist.” Another told us that staff at the practice were “all lovely.”

There were suitable arrangements in place to deal with foreseeable emergencies.

Staff understood the principles of safeguarding and had undergone training in safeguarding of vulnerable adults and children.

The practice was clean and hygienic. There were effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection.

The practice had a clear policy and procedure on complaints. There was information on complaints at the reception desk with appropriate contact details.