The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

Watford Orthodontic Centre

Apex House, 60 Leavesden Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD24 5DN (01923) 884340

Provided and run by:
Ortho-Tek Limited

All Inspections

16 January 2024

During a routine inspection

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 16 January 2024 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 dental 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.
  • 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 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

The provider has 3 practices, and this report is about Watford Orthodontic Centre.

Watford Orthodontic Centre is in Watford and provides NHS and private orthodontic dental care and treatment for adults and children.

There are 3 steps leading into the practice with the treatment room located on the first floor. Car parking spaces are available near the practice. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements.

The dental team includes 2 orthodontic specialists, a dentist with a special interest in orthodontics, 1 dental nurse and 1 receptionist. The practice has 1 treatment room comprising of 2 dental chairs and a partition.

During the inspection we spoke with 2 dentists, 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:

Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm

10 January 2014

During a routine inspection

We spoke with four people who visited the practice on the day of the inspection. They all said that they had been referred by their dentists to have dental braces fitted. They were complimentary of the service and the staff. One person said, "The staff are very welcoming. I am very impressed with the work they have done. They are extremely helpful and efficient.' Another person said," The dentists discuss my treatment plan with me. I was given information about the services. I do not have to wait long to see the dentist. I am happy with the treatment and I have no complaints.'

We found that the provider was meeting the standards we had inspected. People had been provided with information about the service. People's privacy and dignity had been respected. People had been involved in the decisions about their treatment. There were systems and procedures in place to control the spread of infection. We noted that the staff had been provided with relevant training for the work they performed. There were systems in place for assessing and monitoring the quality of service.

Watford Orthodontic Centre did not have access for people with mobility problems or wheelchair users. This had been reflected in their information leaflet. However, the provider said that they would refer them to another practice.