Archived: Cambridge Orthodontic Practice

We carried out this announced focused inspection on 24 January 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 adviser.

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

• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• Is it caring?
• Is it responsive?
• Is it well-led?

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

Our findings were:

• The dental clinic was visibly clean and well-maintained.
• The practice had some systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff. We found minor shortfalls in appropriately assessing and mitigating risks in relation to medical emergency equipment, incident reporting and fire safety management
• 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.
• The clinical staff provided patients’ care and treatment in line with current guidelines.
• Staff received good support with their professional development and meaningful appraisal.
• There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
• Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
• Patients were asked for feedback about the services provided

Background

Cambridge Orthodontic provides both NHS and private orthodontic care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs. There is level access to the premises for people who use wheelchairs, downstairs treatment areas and a fully accessible toilet. Limited patient car parking is available directly outside the premises.

The dental team includes 2 orthodontists, 4 orthodontic therapists, 6 dental nurses, a practice manager, and 2 reception staff. The practice has 4 dental chairs.

During the inspection we spoke with the practice manager, one of the principal orthodontists, an orthodontist therapist and two dental nurses. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.

The practice is open on Mondays from 8.30am to 7pm; on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8.30am to 5pm, and on Wednesdays from 8.30am to 5.30pm.

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

• Take action to ensure the availability of equipment in the practice to manage medical emergencies taking into account the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the General Dental Council.

• Undertake a comprehensive fire risk assessment to ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective.

• Implement an effective system for reviewing incidents or significant events with a view to preventing further occurrences and ensuring that improvements are made as a result.