Natural Smiles

We carried out this announced inspection on 7 September 2021 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 provider 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 adviser.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we asked the following three questions:

• Is it safe?

• Is it effective?

• Is it well-led?

These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.

Our findings were:

Are services safe?

We found this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services effective?

We found this practice was providing effective care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services well-led?

We found this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Background

Natural Smiles is based in Corby and provides private treatment for adults and children. In addition to general dentistry, the practice offers dental implants and sedation. The dental team includes four dentists, two dental nurses, a practice manager and reception staff.

There is level access to the premises for wheelchair users and an accessible toilet. Parking is available directly outside the practice.

The practice is owned by an individual who is the principal dentist there. They have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations about how the practice is run.

The practice is open on Mondays from 9am to 5.30pm; on Tuesdays from 10am to 8pm; on Wednesdays from 9am to 6.30pm, on Thursdays from 9am to 5.30pm, and on Fridays from 9am to 2pm.

During the inspection we spoke with the practice manager, the principal dentist, two dental nurses, and the receptionist. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

Our key findings were:

• The provider had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• The provider had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
• The provider had safeguarding processes and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• The provider dealt with complaints positively and efficiently.
• The provider had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• The provider had effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:

• Provide regular appraisal and performance review for all staff, including the practice manager.