We carried out an announced inspection at Bilston Dental Practice on 1 August 2012. This meant the provider was aware of our intended visit. During our inspection we used a number of different methods to help us understand the quality of the service provided to people.

We spoke with the provider and the dental team. We looked at two dental records and spoke with three people who had recently used the service. We looked at staff training records and discussed the practice’s decontamination procedures.

We observed that clinical waste was disposed of appropriately to ensure people’s health and welfare.

The dental records we looked at contained a dental treatment plan that showed people were involved in decisions about their treatment options. One person who uses the service said, “My dentist goes through my treatment options thoroughly.”

We spoke with three people who used the service who said their privacy and dignity was respected at all times.

We found that the practice’s decontamination practices ensured that instruments used for dental care and treatment were clean and safe for use and reduced the risk of cross infection.

The recruitment procedures ensured that staff were suitable to work at the practice. Staff had access to regularly on going training to ensure they had the skills and competence to deliver a safe effective service.