Smilepod - Canary Wharf

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 3 March 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. Improvements were needed in relation to access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises.
• 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 effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• 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

The provider is part of a corporate group (Smile Pod Limited) and has 6 practices. This report is about Smilepod – Canary Wharf.

Smilepod – Canary Wharf is in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is located within a shopping centre and there is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 5 dentists, 3 dental nurses, 3 dental hygienists, 1 dental therapist, 1 interim practice manager. A dental nurse covers receptionist duties. The practices within this group are supported by a clinical director. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, the interim practice manager and the clinical director. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Mondays to Thursdays between 9am and 6pm

Fridays between 9am and 5pm

Saturdays between 10am and 4pm.

There was an area where the provider could make improvements. They should:

Take action to ensure an AED is available immediately to manage medical emergencies, taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council, and undertake a risk assessment if a decision is made not to have an AED on site.