Smile Creations Innovations Ltd

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 3 July 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. We identified shortfalls in assessing and mitigating risks in relation to fire safety.
• 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 efficiently 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 leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. However, staff training in relation to Cone Beam Computed Tomography had not been completed.
• 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

Smiles Creations Innovations Ltd is in Leighton Buzzard and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice has an NHS contract to provide orthodontic treatment for children under the age of 18.

The practice treatment rooms are on the first floor and are accessed by stairs. People who use wheelchairs are directed by practice staff to other local services.

Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.

The dental team includes 2 dentists, 1 specialist periodontist, 1 specialist orthodontist, 4 qualified dental nurses, 1 orthodontic therapist, 1 practice manager and 1 receptionist. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 orthodontic therapist, 1 dental nurse, the receptionist and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

The practice had taken steps to improve environmental sustainability. For example, reducing printing of documents, turning electricity off when not required and recycling where possible.

We identified regulations the provider was not complying with. They must:

• Establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance in accordance with the fundamental standards of care.

Full details of the regulations the provider was not meeting are at the end of this report.