Updated 24 January 2023
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 4 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 five 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 infection control procedures which reflected published guidance.
- Staff knew how to deal with medical emergencies and appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were available.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risk to patients and staff.
- 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.
- Patients were treated with dignity and respect and staff took care to protect their privacy and personal information.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement, although not all staff had received an appraisal of their performance.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- Complaints were dealt with positively and efficiently.
Background
Orthoworld 2000 Cambridge provides both NHS and private orthodontic care and treatment for adults and children. The practice is part of the Mydentist group, who operate a large number of dental practices across the UK.
The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with additional needs. There is ramp access to the premises for people who use wheelchairs, a downstairs treatment room and a fully accessible toilet. Limited patient car parking is available directly outside the premises.
The dental team includes 1 orthodontist, 2 orthodontic therapists, a trainee dental nurse, a practice manager, and 2 reception staff. The practice has 3 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the practice manager, a regulatory officer, the orthodontist, a dental nurse and reception staff. 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 form 8.30am to 5.30pm.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Implement a system to ensure that all staff receive a regular appraisal of their performance.