We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 27 May 2016 to ask the practice the following key questions; Are services safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?

Our findings were:

Are services safe?

We found that this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations

Are services effective?

We found that this practice was providing effective care in accordance with the relevant regulations

Are services caring?

We found that this practice was providing caring services in accordance with the relevant regulations

Are services responsive?

We found that this practice was providing responsive care in accordance with the relevant regulations

Are services well-led?

We found that this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations

Background

Octagon Orthodontic provides private orthodontic treatment (dental treatment which involves the improvement of the appearance and position of mal-aligned teeth) to patients of all ages in Ealing and the surrounding areas.

Practice staffing consists of the principal orthodontic specialist, who is also the owner, one dental nurse, customer service advisor/receptionist and a practice manager.

The principal dentist is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as an individual. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the practice is run.

The practice is open once a month on a Friday, every other Tuesday and two Saturdays a month.

The practice facilities are over two floors. An X-ray room, decontamination room, reception and waiting area are downstairs and upstairs is the treatment room and a staff room.

Eight patients provided feedback about the service. Patients we spoke with and those who completed comment cards were very positive about the care they received and about the service. Patients told us that they were happy with the orthodontic treatment and advice they had received.

Our key findings were:

• Staff had received safeguarding children and adults training and knew the processes to follow to raise any concerns. The practice had whistleblowing policies and procedure and staff were aware of these and their responsibilities to report any concerns.
• The practice ensured staff were trained and that they maintained the necessary skills and competence to support the needs of patients.
• Staff had been trained to handle medical emergencies, and appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment were readily available.
• There were systems in place to ensure that all equipment was maintained in line with manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Patients received clear explanations about their proposed treatment, costs, benefits and risks and were involved in making decisions about it.
• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.
• The appointment system met the needs of patients and waiting times were kept to a minimum.
• The practice had a procedure for handling and responding to complaints, which were displayed and available to patients.
• Governance systems were effective and there were a range of policies and procedures in place which underpinned the management of the practice.
• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided and acted on this to improve its services.