The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

Orthokind - York

70 Low Petergate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7HZ (01904) 633061

Provided and run by:
Orthokind Limited

All Inspections

26 October 2023

During a routine inspection

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 26 October 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 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.
  • The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
  • 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

Orthokind York is in York city centre and provides NHS and private orthodontic dental care and treatment for adults and children.

The practice is on the first floor of a building which is currently reached by a flight of stairs. However, there are plans to install a stair lift to assist patients with restricted mobility. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available in city centre care parks. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements and has detailed plans to develop this further.

The dental team includes 3 specialist orthodontists, and 1 dentist with a special interest in orthodontics, 4 orthodontic therapists, 10 dental nurses, 2 receptionists, a practice manager and a practice assistant. The practice has 4 treatment chairs, although there are plans to double this number before the end of the year.

During the inspection we spoke with 1 orthodontist, 1 orthodontic therapist, 3 dental nurses, 1 receptionist and 2 practice managers/ administrators. 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 5pm, in addition on Mondays from 5pm to 7pm by arrangement and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm also by prior arrangement.

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

  • Improve the practice's protocols and procedures for the use of X-ray equipment in compliance with The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and taking into account the guidance for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment.

14 June 2013

During an inspection looking at part of the service

During our last inspection on 29 January 2013 we identified some concerns relating to infection control and the recruitment of staff. We asked the provider to address the issues raised. This was a follow up visit to check whether the provider had taken appropriate action to address the issues that we had previously found.

During this visit we spoke with three staff. We inspected the decontamination room. We looked at some staff files and some policies and procedures. We did not speak with people using the service because there was only one person present and they were receiving treatment.

All the staff we spoke with confirmed that the newly refurbished decontamination room had addressed the shortfalls that we had found previously. A member of staff said 'This facility is much better now. We can wash our hands inside the decontamination room. The pedal bin works without us having to lift the bin lid manually.' This helped protect people's health and wellbeing.

We had asked the provider to take some action to improve one part of their recruitment process. We saw evidence that appropriate action had been taken. We saw robust systems were now in place to ensure that all staff had written references on file. This helped protect all parties.

29 January 2013

During a routine inspection

People we spoke with told us that they had been examined and were given information about their treatment options. They said that this had allowed them to be able to give their consent for their care and treatment.

People received the care and treatment that they needed to meet their needs. People we spoke with said they could get an appointment with a dentist when it was convenient for them. One person said 'I received swift and fluent treatments. They are organised. They have done everything regarding my treatment to keep their end of the bargain.'

Systems were in place regarding the decontamination of dental equipment. However, we have asked the provider to make some improvements to help to maintain infection control.

People we spoke with could not tell us about the staff recruitment processes in place. Staff received ongoing training to develop their skills. One person we spoke with said 'The staff are professional and kind.' However, we have asked the provider to take some action to improve one part of their recruitment process.

The practice had a complaints procedure in place. People we spoke with at the time of our visit had not raised any complaints with the provider. One person said 'I have never raised any issues. If I was not happy, I would feel obliged to say something.' We saw that surveys were undertaken periodically to gain people's views. This ensured that the provider listened to people.