- Dentist
Orthohemel Limited
Report from 7 May 2024 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
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.
People's experience of this service
Two weeks before our visit, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We received feedback from 9 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. Comments included: “Received great service from Orthohemel, would definitely recommend.”, “ I believe that the care I receive in this practice is of great standard and staff are always welcoming and caring....” The practice shared patient feedback with the team. We were told this was reviewed and where suggestions had been made, appropriate action would be taken. Staff gathered feedback from patients, the public and external partners and demonstrated a commitment to acting on feedback. Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness.