Updated 15 July 2022
We carried out this announced focused inspection on 27 June 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 dental 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.
- 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.
- There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staff felt involved and supported and worked as a team.
- The practice had systems to help them manage risks to patients and staff. However, improvements were needed to ensure the recommendations in the practice`s Legionella risk assessment were implemented.
- The practice had arrangements in place to ensure that equipment was safe to use and maintained and serviced according to manufacturers’ instructions. However, improvements were needed to ensure the recommendations in the practice`s electrical installation condition report were carried out.
Background
The provider Dentalign Orthodontics LLP is part of BUPA and has six practices. This report is about Total Orthodontics Slough.
Total Orthodontics Slough is in Slough and now only provides private specialist orthodontic dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice does have some NHS patients who are completing their care as part of the NHS contract the practice previously held.
Car parking spaces are available on site and the practice is located near public transport services.
The dental team includes two specialist orthodontists, one dental nurse, one orthodontic therapist, one receptionist and a treatment coordinator. The clinical team is supported by a practice manager and an area manager.
The practice has two treatment rooms.
During the inspection we spoke with the dental nurse, the receptionist, the treatment coordinator, the practice manager and the area manager. We looked at practice policies and procedures and other records about how the service is managed.
The practice is open:
Monday to Wednesday 8.30am to 5.30pm
Thursday and Friday 8.30am to 5pm
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Take action to implement the recommendations in the practice`s Legionella risk assessment.
- Take action to ensure that the recommendations in the practice`s electrical installation report are carried out.