We carried out a comprehensive inspection of Smileright on the 26 May 2015.

Smileright is a dental practice that is located in the Barbican, City of London and only offers private treatment. The staff structure of the practice consists of nine dentists, four trainee dental nurses, a receptionist and a practice manager. On the day of the inspection there were two dentists, three trainee nurses, a receptionist and the registered manager on duty.

We spoke with one patient who used the service on the day of our inspection and reviewed 14 CQC comment cards that had been completed by patients prior to the inspection. The patient we spoke with was complimentary about the service. They told us they found the staff treated them with respect and were informative. The comments on the CQC comment cards were all complimentary about the staff and the service provided.

During the inspection we spoke with five members of staff, including the practice manager, who was also the registered manager. A registered manager is a person who is registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. 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.

To assess the quality of care provided by the practice, we looked at practice policies and protocols and other records. Our key findings were as follows:

• There were appropriate infection control procedures in place to minimise the risk and spread of infection.
• There was appropriate equipment available for staff to undertake their duties and the equipment was well maintained.
• Patient’s needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered in line with current best practice guidance for example from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
• Patient’s comments cards stated they were treated with dignity and respect and involved in treatment planning.
• The practice had procedures in place to take into account any comments, concerns or complaints.
• There were appropriate management arrangements in place. Staff told us they felt well supported and comfortable to raise concerns or make suggestions.

We found that this practice was providing safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

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

• Review availability of equipment to manage medical emergencies giving due regard to guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK), and the General Dental Council (GDC) standards for the dental team.
• Ensure staff use appropriate personal protective equipment including disposable aprons and follow recommended guidance related to uniforms giving due regard to guidelines issued by the Department of Health - Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices.