The Colchester Dental Referral Centre operates with four dentists and a hygienist; three dentists are registered on the specialist register for dentistry to perform the procedures they specialise in. Procedures are undertaken under sedation, when required; the service does not operate on people under general anaesthetic. The building that service is provided from is purpose built to meet surgical and dental needs.

We found that dental care was provided according to people's assessed needs and people were asked for their views about the service. We saw that the waiting area was welcoming and had a range of information about dental care and oral hygiene. We saw that the service had effective audit systems to monitor cleanliness and safety.

We spoke with three people to find out what it was like attending the Colchester Dental Referral Centre. People told us they were happy with the service. One person told us they "Always had their plan of treatment fully explained" and that they were very confident in attending the service. We saw satisfaction surveys and visitor books in which people had provided positive comments about the service.