Archived: Orthodontics Exclusively

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 23 March 2016 to ask the practice the following key questions; Are services safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?

Our findings were:

Are services safe?

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

Are services effective?

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

Are services caring?

We found that this practice was providing caring services in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services responsive?

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

Are services well-led?

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

Background

Orthodontics Exclusively is an orthodontic dental practice which provides treatment under the NHS or privately. The practice is located in the Acocks Green area of Birmingham and is situated on the ground and first floor of a converted building. The practice has a reception and separate waiting room, two treatment rooms, an oral health education room, X-ray room and a decontamination room. The practice’s opening hours are: Monday 9am to 6pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 5pm, Wednesday 9am to 1pm and Friday and Saturday by appointment only. The practice closes for lunch from 1 pm to 2 pm.

Orthodontics Exclusively has two part time orthodontists; one orthodontic therapist, a head dental nurse, two trainee dental nurses and a practice manager. The principal orthodontist is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as an individual. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the practice is run.

Before the inspection we sent Care Quality Commission comments cards to the practice for patients to complete to tell us about their experience of the practice and during the inspection we spoke with patients. We received feedback from 29 patients who provided an overwhelmingly positive view of the service the practice provides. All of the patients commented that the quality of care was very good and that staff were helpful and informative.

Our key findings were:

• There were systems in place to record accidents, significant events and complaints, and learning points were identified and were shared with staff.
• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of patients.
• Patients spoke positively about their experiences of the orthodontic services they received.
• Patients said they were treated with dignity and respect and their confidentiality was maintained.
• Patients were involved in discussions about their care and treatment.
• The practice followed the relevant guidance from the Department of Health's: ‘Health Technical Memorandum 01-05 (HTM 01-05) for infection control.
• The provider had emergency medicines in line with the British National Formulary (BNF) guidance for medical emergencies in dental practice.
• Staff had been trained to deal with medical emergencies.
• There were training opportunities for staff which allowed professional development within their role.
• There was appropriate equipment for staff to undertake their duties, and equipment was well maintained.
• Governance arrangements were in place for the smooth running of the practice.

There were areas where the provider could make improvements and should:

• Review the practice’s whistle blowing policy to ensure staff are provided with information about how to raise concerns both internally and with identified external agencies.