5 September 2022
During an inspection looking at part of the service
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 5 September 2022 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 usually ask five key questions, however due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce time spent on site, only the following three questions were asked:
• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• Is it well-led?
These questions form the framework for the areas we look at during the inspection.
Our findings were:
- The orthodontic 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. 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.
- Staff provided preventive care and supported patients to ensure better oral health.
- The appointment system took account of patients’ needs.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and 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 orthodontic clinic had information governance arrangements.
Background
This report is about Exeter Orthodontic Practice.
Exeter Orthodontic Practice is in Exeter and provides NHS and private orthodontic dental treatment to mainly children. Some adults pay privately for this service.
Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available near the practice. The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional needs by adding a stair lift to access one of the treatment rooms. The practice is not fully accessible and therefore not suitable for wheelchair users who need treatment. The building is listed and therefore further changes are not permitted to the building.
The dental team includes four orthodontists, eight dental nurses, one orthodontist therapist, one decontamination assistant, four receptionists and a practice manager. The practice has five treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with two dentists, two dental nurses, the orthodontic therapist, two receptionists, the decontamination assistant, the practice manager and two area managers from the Portman group. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open: 8.00am – 6.00pm Monday to Thursday
8.00am – 4.00pm Friday.