Sharing Smiles Orthodontics

We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 5 March 2024 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. Improvements could be made to ensure clinical waste was stored in compliance with guidance issued in the Health Technical Memorandum 07-01: Safe management of healthcare waste.
• 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. Most recommendations from a recent fire safety risk assessment had been actioned, with plans to complete the outstanding items shortly after our inspection.
• 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.
• 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

Sharing Smiles Orthodontics Ltd is in Luton and provides NHS orthodontic treatment to children. The practice treats a small number of adult patients on a private basis.

The practice is on the first floor of a high street building and is not accessible for people who use wheelchairs and those with pushchairs. Referral dental practices are aware of this, and will refer service users with access requirements to other orthodontic practices in the area. Car parking spaces are available near the practice.

The dental team includes 1 orthodontist, 3 dental nurses, 1 orthodontic therapist, 1 practice manager, who is also an orthodontic therapist, and 4 receptionists. The dental team works closely with 1 dental technician and 1 laboratory assistant, who have a laboratory on site. The practice has 2 treatment rooms, with 3 dental chairs across the 2 rooms.

During the inspection we spoke with the principal orthodontist, 2 qualified dental nurses, 1 orthodontic therapist, 2 receptionists and the practice manager. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.

The practice is open:

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

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

• Take action to implement any recommendations in the practice's fire safety risk assessment and ensure ongoing fire safety management is effective.