This visit was a follow up to our inspection of the practice on 13 January 2014.

At that inspection we had found there were ineffective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. We found that some dental instruments had been wrapped in pouches, however they were not all dated to indicate when they should be reprocessed if left unused. We also saw that some patients were not provided with a disposable protective bib or eye protection whilst receiving treatment at the practice. The provider was not able to produce a cleaning schedule for the practice and there was an inadequate supply of cleaning materials and equipment.

We also had concerns that the practice did not have an adequate system in place to effectively monitor the quality of their service provision.

Following our inspection in January, the practice sent us a plan of the actions intended to meet the requirements of Regulations 10 and 12 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2010. We carried out this visit to check that the actions in that plan had been implemented.

We found that the provider had taken appropriate action and was now compliant with the regulations.

We spoke with seven patients who all gave positive feedback about the care and treatment they had received. One patient told us “I am very fussy but I was very happy with everything.”

Patients told us that they were given a copy of the treatment and costs involved and given time to think before undergoing treatment. We saw that the practice employed a dentist who specialised in implants and a dental hygienist. This demonstrated that patients had access to appropriate skilled staff to meet their care and treatment needs.

We observed staff speaking to patients politely both at the practice and over the telephone and found they were happy to answer questions. We observed that records relating to patients were kept securely ensuring confidentiality.

The prevention and control of infection and decontamination of instruments was mostly but not always carried out in accordance with guidance from the Department of Health. Patients we spoke with were very positive about the cleanliness of the practice telling us "The surgery is always spotless when I attend."

We found that staff were supported in their professional development and encouraged to take part in additional training.

We had some concerns that the provider did not have an adequate system in place to effectively monitor the quality of their service provision.