SpaDental Group Clinical Director Appointed

Dentist Lucy Smith appointed Clinical Director of the SpaDental Group.

Lucy joined SpaDental several years ago as a talented and forward-thinking member of the SpaDental Plymouth team. Subsequently she moved to our Somerset practices, SpaDental Chard and SpaDental Glastonbury.

What does a clinical director do?

Ensuring that our patients receive the most appropriate treatment for their individual needs in a safe environment is our priority. To ensure standards across the dental sector, the Care Quality Commission (CQC – see below) inspects dental practices to check patient interests are being served in the best possible way.

All staff, whatever their role in a dental practice, are involved in ensuring that, within their scope of practice, correct protocols and procedures are followed. Moreover, Practice Managers and the Compliance Director work together with the Clinical Director to plan, implement and check so patients are treated safely and effectively.

About Lucy Smith

Lucy brings new energy and impetus to the leadership team. From the outset, SpaDental noted Lucy’s genuine concern for patient welfare and her respect for procedures and ethics. During the initial lockdown last year, Lucy stepped-up to offer pro-active analysis of essential new protocols. She has been invaluable in helping the group define and implement new ways of working. These qualities marked her out as an excellent choice for the important role of Clinical Director. Her appointment was confirmed in January.

In addition to her new role, Lucy will continue to treat patients at SpaDental Chard and SpaDental Glastonbury. Her particular area of dental interest is treating nervous patients, supporting their oral health with intravenous sedation if necessary.

The appointment of a forward-thinking dentist in an active role to guide ongoing improvement and service innovations, as well as mentoring the clinical team, will benefit our patients and practices.

The SpaDental management team welcomes Lucy to her new role.

What is the Care Quality Commission?

To ensure people receive high-quality care in a safe environment, the CQC inspects and monitors health services in England.

The CQC says: “We monitor, inspect and regulate services to make sure they meet fundamental standards of quality and safety and we publish what we find, including performance ratings, to help people choose care.”

It is reassuring for patients to know that the CQC:

• registers service providers;
• works with data and evidence from different sources;
• considers patient feedback;
• uses experts for assessments;
• publishes inspection reports for public access;
• takes appropriate action.

What does the CQC do to check a dental practice?

To check the quality of care, the CQC uses five key questions as a framework for further enquiry.

Are they:

• safe?
• effective?
• caring?
• responsive to people’s needs?
• well-led?

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