Smile Matters

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We found this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The practice had processes to identify and manage risks; staff we spoke with were able to describe these to us. Staff felt confident that risks were well managed at the practice, and the reporting of risks was encouraged. Following feedback from the inspection team, the practice assessed and mitigated any risks associated with lone working, and shared the updated practice guidance with all staff. Most emergency equipment and medicines were available and checked in accordance with national guidance. Staff could access these in a timely way. Following feedback from the inspection team, the service ensured that clear face masks to use with the self-inflating bag were available in all required sizes as outlined within guidance issued by the Resuscitation Council UK. Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year. They discussed medical emergency scenarios within practice meetings. The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter. Hazardous substances were clearly labelled and stored safely. We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions. The management of fire safety was effective, and fire exits were clear and well signposted. The practice had systems for appropriate and safe handling of medicines. Antimicrobial prescribing audits were carried out.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation to help them employ suitable staff, including agency or locum staff. The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover. Newly appointed staff had a structured induction, which included safeguarding. The provider ensured clinical staff completed continuing professional development (CPD) required for their registration with the General Dental Council. The practice had arrangements to ensure staff training was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals. We saw the practice had arranged for an annual training day for all staff to attend on 23 November 2024, which would give all staff 8 hours CPD , and would include training on infection prevention and control, safeguarding and mental capacity, including consent. There were also effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff we spoke with had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were sufficient staffing levels. They demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children. Staff stated they felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in the practice. One staff member told us, ‘I feel safe and happy here. It’s a great place to work, everything is super organised. It feels like a second home and this warmth and care passes to patients as well.’ Another staff member said, ‘The management team always have time to listen. We are encouraged to do well, and our work is appreciated.’ Staff discussed their training needs during annual appraisals and ongoing informal discussions. They also discussed learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development.

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance. This included procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems. A Legionella risk assessment had been completed by an external company in 2011, and the practice reviewed this annually. However, the risk assessment did not include a schematic drawing, which is required to comply with the Health and Safety Executive Approved Code of Practice and guidance on regulations, L8 Legionnaires’ disease. Following feedback from the inspection team, the practice arranged for a schematic drawing to be included in the Legionella risk assessment. The practice had cleaning procedures and schedules to ensure effective cleaning. We observed the decontamination of used dental instruments, which aligned with national guidance. Staff received appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes. The equipment in use was maintained and serviced as per manufacturers’ instructions. We saw, and staff confirmed that single use items were not reprocessed. Staff followed infection control principles, including the use of personal protective equipment, and safely segregated and disposed of hazardous waste. The practice completed infection prevention and control audits in line with current guidance.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.