We visited Castle Orthodontics – Lincoln on 10 April 2013.

The practice employs three orthodontists, four orthodontic nurses and one receptionist. One of the nurses is also the practice manager. On the day of our visit one orthodontist, the practice manager, two nurses and the receptionist were on duty. The provider was also available throughout the visit.

All of the patients who attended the practice during our visit were under the age of 18 years.

We spoke with three patients and their parents, all of the staff on duty and we watched how staff carried out their duties.

We looked at a selection of records including patient treatment records, policies and procedures, staff training records and cleaning schedules.

Patients told us staff always welcomed them into the practice and were polite and friendly. They said they felt involved in making decisions about their treatment and the orthodontists explained their treatment programmes clearly and in detail.

Patients we spoke with told us the practice environment was always clean and hygienic when they came for appointments.

Patients also said they had not had to make a compliant but they would feel comfortable to do so.

We found the flooring in each surgery and the dental chair in the ground floor surgery posed a potential risk to infection control management. We have asked the provider to tell us what action they are going to take to address the issues.