This was the practice’s first inspection since dental services were required to register with the Care Quality Commission.

During our inspection we spoke with eight patients about their experiences of using the service and without exception these people made very positive comments about the practice and the dental care they received. One person told us, “I’ve been coming here for fifty years; I’ve been treated well and have no complaints about the service I’ve received.” Whilst another person stated, “Everyone here is friendly and polite, my concerns [about my oral health] are listened to and I receive a very personalised service.”

We checked and saw that people using the dental practice had access to examinations in private. We asked people how they were involved in their treatment planning and whether they were informed about what the treatment might involve. We saw and heard that they were always involved and were provided with good information which enabled them to make decisions about their treatment. We met and spoke with staff and checked records. We found that patient records were completed well and were up to date.

We looked at the consultation rooms and other areas of the practice and were satisfied that people received safe and effective treatment in a clean environment. Processes were in place to ensure hygiene standards were maintained. We looked at staff recruitment processes and saw that recruitment of staff ensured patients were treated by suitable qualified staff.

We looked at records relating to the management of the practice and saw that these were current and up to date. The receptionists checked people’s information was correct when they arrived for appointments and dentists’ updated people’s records on their computer record system after each consultation ensuring patient records were current.