The inspection took place on 2 June 2015 as part of our national programme of comprehensive inspections. We had previously inspected the service in March 2013 when the provider was found to be meeting all five of the standards.

Saltaire Orthodontics provides orthodontic treatment to NHS patients under 18 and private patients over the age of 18 years. The staff structure consists of an orthodontist (the provider) and two registered orthodontic therapists (who assist the orthodontist and carry out some treatments themselves), three dental nurses and one receptionist.

Feedback was given by 13 patients who completed our comment cards and we spoke with four patients during the visit. Patients were positive and complimentary about the service they received, the friendliness of the staff and the quality of the orthodontic work. Patients confirmed they had been greeted warmly by friendly and helpful staff. Patients confirmed they had been well informed about their treatment at each visit.

We found that this practice was providing safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Our key findings were

• The practice had effective systems in place for identifying and managing patient safety incidents.
• Clinical records were well maintained and patients were referred for specialist treatment in a timely and efficient manner.
• There were systems in place to check all equipment had been serviced regularly, including the X-ray equipment, autoclave, fire extinguishers and oxygen cylinder.
• Staff managed the decontamination of dental instruments in line with published guidance.
• Staff recruitment was in line with practice policy and thorough checks were completed.
• The practice had a comprehensive training programme which ensured staff maintained the necessary skills and competence to support the health needs of the patients.
• Patients were given appropriate levels of information and were involved in decisions about their treatment.

We did not speak to any people that used the service during this follow up visit.

On the day of our inspection there was no one available to speak with us in person as the practice was closed to patients.. We therefore phoned a selection of the providers patients to obtain peoples views about the service.

The comments from patients included;

"Honestly, I am very happy with the service."

“It is a very clean surgery.”

"Very friendly staff."

"The dentist is very professional.”

"Very helpful staff, pleasant atmosphere."

"Always satisfied with the care."