During our inspection we spoke with five patients and their family members. We spoke with the orthodontist, an orthodontic therapist, two dental nurses, the business support manager and the receptionist. We also took information from other sources to help us understand the views of patients who used the service, which included a patient satisfaction survey.
The patients we spoke with told us they thought they received good dental treatment from the orthodontist. One patient told us, 'The practice was recommended by my dentist and they've done well. I'm really happy with my teeth now.'
The practice was following appropriate guidance in relation to infection control and the staff were trained and supported. A member of staff we spoke with told us, 'The changes that have been made, for example the installation of a separate decontamination room, have improved the service we can give to our patients.'
Staff knew about their role regarding safeguarding vulnerable adults and children from abuse. A member of staff that we spoke with told us, 'We've never had a safeguarding issue come up but there is information available to look at. At the end of the day we are only a small team and I can always ask my colleagues for advice.'
The practice did not have systems in place to assess, monitor and improve the quality of the service by obtaining feedback from people who used the service.