The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is an independent body that provides information and regulates the quality and availability of health and social care services in England.

The CQC regulates not only dentists but also hospitals, GPs, ambulances, mental health services, care homes and care in people’s own homes, and services for people restricted under the Mental Health Act.

There may be times in your working life when you need to raise a concern with your manager. This could be over something minor or something major, but it is important that all staff members feel they are able to approach their manager to discuss the best course of action and resolve the issue without feeling afraid.

Risk assessments are not an option, they are a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Employers have a duty of care to protect the people they employ as well as service users and business subcontractors. The Act gives general responsibility to employers, employees, the self-employed and manufacturers and suppliers. 

The government has been trialling pilot programmes across England to improve healthcare for GDPs and GPs since September 2011. The programme began with seventy dental practices across England commencing pilots between July and September 2011, with new practices, as well as some community centres, joining them later on.

Oral Health in Orthodontics                                                           

Maintaining good oral health during orthodontic treatment can be tricky. Many patients find it hard to keep their brushing up to scratch whilst they are not wearing an appliance, never mind whilst they have extra metal work to keep clean!