Updated 6 November 2023
We carried out this announced comprehensive inspection on 26 October 2023 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The frequency of appointments was agreed between the dentist and the patient, giving due regard to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
- 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
Orthokind York is in York city centre and provides NHS and private orthodontic dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice is on the first floor of a building which is currently reached by a flight of stairs. However, there are plans to install a stair lift to assist patients with restricted mobility. Car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people, are available in city centre care parks. The practice has made reasonable adjustments to support patients with access requirements and has detailed plans to develop this further.
The dental team includes 3 specialist orthodontists, and 1 dentist with a special interest in orthodontics, 4 orthodontic therapists, 10 dental nurses, 2 receptionists, a practice manager and a practice assistant. The practice has 4 treatment chairs, although there are plans to double this number before the end of the year.
During the inspection we spoke with 1 orthodontist, 1 orthodontic therapist, 3 dental nurses, 1 receptionist and 2 practice managers/ administrators. We looked at practice policies, procedures and other records to assess how the service is managed.
The practice is open: Monday to Friday: from 8:30am to 5pm, in addition on Mondays from 5pm to 7pm by arrangement and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm also by prior arrangement.
There were areas where the provider could make improvements. They should:
- Improve the practice's protocols and procedures for the use of X-ray equipment in compliance with The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and taking into account the guidance for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment.