The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

Archived: The Smile Practice

200a Broadway, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 8RN (01235) 813245

Provided and run by:
Dr. Ajay Murgai

All Inspections

During a check to make sure that the improvements required had been made

We conducted a desk based follow up inspection to look at the actions that had been taken to address areas of non-compliance, identified at our visit in June 2013. During our visit in June 2013 we had found that records of cleaning had not been regularly kept and that the quality of cleaning had not been checked by senior staff. We also found that water temperature checks were not being undertaken and monitored to ensure that the risk of waterborne bacteria was guarded against. Subsequent to the June inspection the provider supplied a number of documents to demonstrate the actions which had been taken to enhance the quality monitoring within practice.

We found that systems had been introduced to monitor the quality of cleaning of communal areas and surgeries. The systems ensured that patients were treated in a clean and hygienic environment.

We found that weekly water temperature checks had been introduced. The results were in line with the department of health guidance. This ensured that the risk to patients from waterborne bacteria had been minimised.

We saw that feedback had been sought from patients and been acted upon. For example, one patient had commented in June that they had not been seen on time and that the delay had not been communicated to them on their arrival. We saw that a patient see in August had been informed of the delay on their arrival at the surgery. The majority of patient feedback was positive.

21 June 2013

During a routine inspection

We met with the practice manager and the provider on the day of our visit. We spoke with three patients and two other members of staff.

Patients told us they were very satisfied with their treatment. One said 'it's excellent, five star'. Patients said dentists explained treatment to them; 'he explains things really well. Sometimes he takes a photo of your mouth and shows you it on the screen and explains what he wants to do and why.' Patients told us they could make decisions about their treatment; 'I didn't feel under pressure. It was my decision at the end of the day.'

We saw evidence that staff received appropriate training and staff told us they were well supported by the service; 'I'm 65 and I've just done an NVQ. I'm very impressed'.

Patients' feedback was sought through satisfaction rating forms and a comments box. We were told how patient comments were acted upon by the practice.

Patients we spoke with told us the practice was always clean and tidy. The practice followed procedures that minimised the risk and spread of infection. However, the practice did not have systems in place to routinely identify, assess and manage risks. There was a minor risk that risks to infection control would not be identified and acted upon.