We carried out this inspection to check whether the provider had taken action to address the shortfalls identified at our last inspection in October 2013. These shortfalls related to the measures the provider had in place to protect patients from the risk of infection.

Since our last inspection, the provider had entered into a partnership with Integrated Dental Holdings (IDH), a dental corporate company with practices throughout the UK. We met staff from IDH during this inspection, who were able to demonstrate that action had been taken to improve standards of infection prevention and control and to reduce the risk to patients.

Our first visit to the practice was unannounced and our second was announced. During our inspection we spoke with five patients, the registered provider, the practice manager, two dentists, a dental nurse and reception/administrative staff.

Patients told us that they were happy with the treatment they had received. They said that staff were friendly and professional. Patients told us that the dentist had explained their treatment options and given them the opportunity to ask questions. One patient told us, “They look after me” and another said, “They do a good job. I’m happy with them.”

We found that patients were not adequately protected from the risk of infection because appropriate guidance had not been followed.

Some items had been stored inappropriately, which presented a risk of contamination.

Incidents such as accidents and medical emergencies had been managed effectively but had not been appropriately recorded.

We found that there had been problems with the operation of autoclaves and this had caused recent disruption to service delivery when the equipment had failed. Records indicated that autoclaves had not been appropriately maintained.

Staff had access to the induction and training they needed, although some staff had not attended a cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training session for more than 12 months.

We found that patient records were up to date and stored appropriately.