This was the first inspection of the practice by the Care Quality Commission. The inspection visit was carried out by one Inspector over three hours.

The practice was situated in a detached house which had been extended and fully adapted internally to provide up to date facilities. The practice currently had one dentist, but had recruited a second dentist who was due to commence work in the next month. The practice employed a hygienist, a practice manager, dental nurses and reception staff. The premises included two dental surgeries, and a third room for the hygienist.

We talked with one patient and viewed comments provided by other patients as part of the practice’s quality assurance programme. We found that people spoke highly of the service they received. Comments included: “They are lovely people here, and it is a lovely place. I come from Sevenoaks but it is worth coming here. Everything is always clearly explained to me; and the prices are competitive.” And “Thank you very much for all the help with my teeth, I appreciate it very much.”

We saw that the practice was visibly clean in all areas, attractively designed and well maintained.

We talked with staff who confirmed that they were enabled to keep up to date with training requirements and to further their own professional development.

We found that there were processes in place to monitor the service provided, to listen to people’s views, and to take action to provide on-going improvements.