This was the first inspection of the practice since its registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in July 2011. Three dentists, a specialist dentist, a hygienist, a practice manager, a team of dental nurses, a receptionist and cleaner worked at the practice. Not all of the staff worked full time. We, the CQC, spoke with three patients, a dentist, the practice manager, the hygienist, two dental nurses and a dental nurse/receptionist. We also observed three patients during their treatment.

Patients were treated with dignity. We saw staff interact with patients in a respectful and polite manner. We heard the staff had a friendly and helpful telephone manner. One patient said “The staff are so nice. They do such a professional job.”

All the patients we spoke with were positive about their experience. One patient described the practice as “marvellous, absolutely marvellous”. Another patient said “I don’t think there’s anything I can say that is detrimental about them.”

All the staff we spoke with were very positive about the standard of care. One member of staff said “The dentists expect the highest standard at all times for patients and staff.” Another member of staff said “clinical standards are superb” and added “It’s the best practice I’ve worked in.”

All the patients we spoke with were positive about the conduct of the staff at the practice. There were effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. Patient, staff and management records were fit for purpose and kept safe.