Updated 3 November 2022
We carried out this announced comprehensive focused inspection on 12 October 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 orthodontic adviser.
To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we 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 practice 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.
- Dental professionals were not following current evidence-based practice. In particular, radiography grading
- 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.
- Not all clinical staff had evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B disease.
- 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.
- Improvements were needed to the management of fire safety.
- 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 practice had information governance arrangements.
Background
Maple Orthodontics is in Slough and provides NHS and private orthodontic dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There is step free access to the practice for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available behind the practice. The practice has made adjustments to support patients with additional access requirements.
The orthodontic team includes 1 orthodontist, 6 dental nurses (one of which also covers reception), 1 orthodontic therapist, 1 receptionist and a practice manager.
The practice has 4 treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 orthodontist, 2 orthodontic dental nurses and a receptionist.
We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
- Monday 8am - 4pm
- Tuesday 8am - 4pm
- Wednesday 8am - 4pm
- Thursday 8am - 4pm
- Friday 8am - 4pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to ensure that all clinical staff have adequate immunity for vaccine preventable infectious diseases.
- Take action to ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective.
- Take action to ensure that dental professionals stay up to date with current evidence-based practice. In particular, radiography grading.