We looked at the treatment plans of five patients, both adults and children. We saw that the records contained up to date medical histories, orthodontic assessments, evidence of consent obtained, x-rays, photographs and appointment dates for each patient.

We saw that the registered manger had appointed a “child and vulnerable adult safeguarding lead” and had provided staff working at the practice with guidance and information on the safeguarding of vulnerable adults and children. Both policies were clearly set out and described “what to do and who to contact” if abuse is suspected in an easy to follow flow chart.

We saw that the practice had a dedicated decontamination room for the decontamination and sterilisation of orthodontic instruments. We observed an orthodontic nurse run through the decontamination process undertaken to sterilise re-usable dental instruments. A chart confirmed that the autoclaves used for sterilising equipment were tested each morning and a book containing print outs from each sterilising cycle was kept to confirm the autoclave was working at the appropriate temperature.

We were told by the registered manager that all staff underwent annual performance reviews where the main achievements of the year would be discussed and improvements and achievements for the following year would be set. One member of staff told us that the objectives that were set last year have been achieved and training had been completed