Updated 5 November 2024
We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 2 April 2025.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
Improvements were needed to the governance systems to ensure they were reflective of the practice protocols and consistently followed.
Although recruitment procedures reflected current legislation, improvements were needed to ensure these were consistently followed.
The practice’s systems to manage risk were not always effective. In particular, risks associated with fire, sharps safety and lone working.
Improvements were required to ensure the practice responded to concerns and complaints appropriately and consistently followed their complaints procedure.
However, patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our inspection, could access care, support and treatment when required.
Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance.
3 Step Smiles Dental Practice is in Liverpool and provides private dental care and treatment for adults.
There was step-free access to the practice and car parking spaces were available near the practice.
The practice had 3 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 7 staff, of which there were 2 dentists, 1 dental nurse, 1 trainee dental nurse, 1 dental therapist, 1 receptionist and the treatment coordinator. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 1 dentist, 1 dental nurse, 1 receptionist and the treatment coordinator.
We identified regulations the provider was not complying with. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the body of the report.
We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this inspection.