Star Orthodontics

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 12 July 2023 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 advisor.

To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we always ask the following 5 questions:

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

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

Our findings were:

• The orthodontic clinic appeared clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
• Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies.
• Appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
• The practice had systems to manage risks for patients, staff, equipment and the premises. We found minor shortfalls in appropriately assessing and mitigating risks in relation to fire safety and the storage of substances hazardous to health.
• Safeguarding processes were in place and staff knew their responsibilities for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
• The practice had staff recruitment procedures which reflected current legislation.
• Clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect.
• Staff took care to protect patients’ privacy and personal information.
• Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
• The appointment system worked efficiently to respond to patients’ needs.
• There was effective practice leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved, 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 practice had information governance arrangements.
  
  

Background

Star Orthodontics is in Alton and provides private orthodontic dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is based on the first floor. Prospective patients are advised of this when they first contact the practice. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice.

The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The practice team includes an orthodontist, a qualified dental nurse and a receptionist. The practice has 1 orthodontic treatment room.

During the inspection we spoke with the orthodontist, the dental nurse and the receptionist. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

• 9am - 3pm Monday
• 9am – 6pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
• 9am – 1pm Friday

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

• Take action to implement any recommendations in the practice's fire safety risk assessment and ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective.
• Take action to ensure that all clinical staff have adequate immunity for vaccine preventable infectious diseases.
• Improve the practice's processes for the control and storage of substances hazardous to health identified by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, to ensure products are stored securely.