Updated 7 May 2024
We carried out this on-site announced assessment on 3 September 2024. We found the practice had not met all regulations. Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance. Patients were treated with dignity and respect. At the time of our assessment, patients could access care, support and treatment when required. There was, however, a lack of effective leadership, and not all risks associated with undertaking of regulated activities had been suitably identified and mitigated. Improvement could be made to recruitment procedures to ensure that appropriate checks are completed prior to new staff commencing employment at the practice. Infection control procedures did not entirely follow published guidance. Orthohemel Limited is in Hemel Hempstead and provides NHS and private orthodontic care and treatment for adults and children. At the time of our assessment, the dental team included the principal dentist, 2 specialist orthodontists, 2 associate dentists with a special interest in orthodontics, 4 dental nurses, 1 practice manager and an assistant manager. The practice had 1 treatment area with 4 dental chairs and 1 consulting room. During the assessment we spoke with 1 dentist, 2 orthodontic nurses and the practice manager. The provider was not complying with 1 regulation. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the quality statement section of the report. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.