The people we spoke with expressed a high level of satisfaction with the service. They told us staff were friendly and professional and they had confidence in them. They said they were always given a full explanation of the outcome of examination and of any treatment proposed. People said they had not encountered problems in getting an appointment and did not have to wait long before being seen by a dentist.

People’s records included details of medical history, clinical examination, the outcome, and where required, recommendations for treatment and follow up. Written consent was on file where a treatment plan had been drawn up. The service had arrangements in place to protect people from abuse. Those included policy guidance, information, and staff training.

Procedures for protecting people from the risk of infection were in order. Those included the provision of equipment, infection control procedures, the organisation of work in key areas, and periodic audit of the arrangements. Copies of procedures, schedules of tasks and responsibilities, and records of tasks carried out were readily available.

Arrangements for the induction of new staff and for staff training and continuing professional development aimed to ensure staff had the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of people using the service.