This was the practices first inspection since their registration.During our inspection we spoke with ten patients who had planned or emergency appointments during the time we spent in the practice. We also spoke with all the staff who were working that day including the registered manager.

The Patients we spoke with told us they were treated with respect and their privacy was maintained at all times. They told us they were given sufficient information to make decisions about their dental care treatment and how they felt involved in decision making. One person said, “The dentist was thorough and professional and explained what was required every step of the way”. Another person told us how, “They involve me in all aspects of my treatment.

We saw from records and heard from the patients we spoke with how their treatment was based on a full mouth assessment. Patients told us they received treatment plans which explained their on-going treatment as well as the costs involved. Patients told us about the choices they were provided with about the treatment they needed and about the choices that could be available through the NHS or through private treatment. One person told us how they could choose between different filling types based on practical and cosmetic reasons. Suitable arrangements were in place for patients emergency treatment should the need arise.

The practice maintained good hygiene and infection control standards and followed the current guidance to ensure standards were maintained. All the patients we spoke with made positive comments about the cleanliness and neat appearance of the surgeries and waiting areas. Processes for cleaning and sterilising surgical equipment met the Department of Health’s HTM01-05 2013 guidelines.

We looked at records relating to the recruitment of staff. Each member of staff had a file showing their recruitment processes. We saw evidence of application forms, interview notes, disclosure and barring service checks and professional indemnity insurances. All dental staff were registered with the General Dental Council.

Records relating to patients were current and up to date and held on the providers secure computer based records system. We saw records in regards of patients medical conditions were updated at each visit and were recorded electronically. Medical alerts were highlighted. Records relating to the management of the practice were well maintained and showed routine checks of equipment, hygiene and the environment.