Simply Smile Shire Court Limited Also known as Shire Court Dental Practice

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 14 March 2022 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 adviser.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:

• 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:

• The dental clinic appeared to be visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance. We found these were not always followed or applied effectively.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies. Some items of life-saving equipment were missing from the medical emergency kit, in particular, airway sizes 0-4, clear face masks sizes 0-4 and the self-inflating bag for adult and child with reservoir had exceeded the manufacturer’s use by date.
• Systems to help manage risk to patients and staff were not always implemented effectively and guidance was not always followed.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• The practice staff recruitment procedures did not reflect current legislation.
• Clinical staff did not always evidence they provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
• The service was not well led. Leadership was not always effective and evidence of a culture of continuous improvement was not observed.
• Staff felt involved and 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 dental clinic had information governance arrangements.

Background

The provider has six practices and this report is about Simply Smile Shire Court Limited, also known as Shire Court Dental Practice.

Shire Court Dental Practice is in Towcester in Northamptonshire and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There is level access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for people with disabilities, are available near the practice. The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional needs, including access to translation services and the offer of longer appointment times.

The dental team includes four dentists, five dental nurses, of whom two are trainees, two dental hygienists, a practice manager and three receptionists. The practice has four treatment rooms.

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

The practice is open:

Monday 9am to 5.30pm

Tuesday 9am to 5.30pm

Wednesday 10am to 6.30pm

Thursday 9am to 5.30pm

Friday 8.30am to 12.30pm

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

• Systems or processes must be established and operated effectively to ensure compliance with the requirements of the fundamental standards as set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.