Phoenix Orthodontics

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

We found this practice was providing safe care in line with the relevant regulations and had taken into consideration appropriate guidance.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

The judgement for Learning culture is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safe systems, pathways and transitions is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Safeguarding is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The judgement for Involving people to manage risks is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.

The practice identified and managed risks effectively and staff described the processes. Staff demonstrated an open culture in relation to people’s safety. This included sharps safety, sepsis awareness and lone working. They felt confident that risks were managed at the practice, and this was reflected in our findings.

Staff knew how to respond to a medical emergency and had completed training in emergency resuscitation and basic life support every year.

Improvement was needed to ensure that emergency medicine and equipment was available, stored correctly and checked in line with national guidance. Since our visit we have received evidence to confirm this shortfall has been addressed.

The premises were visibly clean, well maintained and free from clutter.

Hazardous substances were clearly labelled. Improvements could be made to ensure substances were stored safely and staff and the out of hours cleaner had access to safety data sheets. Since our visit we have received evidence to confirm this shortfall has been addressed.

We saw satisfactory records of servicing and validation of equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions.

The practice had arrangements to ensure the safety of the X-ray equipment, and the required radiation protection information was available.

Fire exits were clear and well signposted. The practice should take action to ensure they record which fire alarm manual call points were tested and that carbon monoxide detectors were obtained and placed near to the gas boilers. Since our visit the manager has advised that this shortfall is being addressed.

The practice had a recruitment policy and procedures that reflected relevant legislation, to help them employ suitable staff.

The practice ensured clinical staff were qualified, registered with the General Dental Council and had appropriate professional indemnity cover.

Newly appointed staff had an appropriate role specific structured induction.

Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. They told us that there were enough staff on duty at all times. They demonstrated knowledge of safeguarding and were aware of how safeguarding information could be accessed. Staff knew how to escalate safeguarding concerns within the practice and externally.

The practice ensured staff training, including continuing professional development, was up-to-date and reviewed at the required intervals.

There were effective processes to support and develop staff with additional roles and responsibilities. Staff discussed their learning needs, general wellbeing and aims for future professional development during annual appraisals.

Staff felt respected, supported and valued, and they were proud to work in the practice.

The practice had infection control procedures that reflected published guidance.

Staff received appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control processes.

The practice had cleaning procedures in place to ensure effective cleaning. Improvements could be made to ensure that cleaning standard checks were recorded appropriately. Since our visit the manager has advised that this shortfall is being addressed.

Staff used personal protective equipment and decontaminated dental instruments after use, in line with national guidance. We saw, and staff confirmed that single-use items were not reprocessed.

The practice had effective procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella, or other bacteria, developing in water systems, in line with a risk assessment and current guidance.

The practice had protocols to ensure effective cleaning and safe segregation and disposal of hazardous waste.

Equipment was maintained and serviced in line with manufacturers’ instructions. Improvement could be made to ensure that all surfaces are complete and impervious.

The practice completed infection prevention and control audits in line with current guidance.

The judgement for Medicines optimisation is based on the latest evidence we assessed for the Safe key question.