In June 2014 we received information indicating the practice may not be adhering to hygiene and infection control guidance. We spoke with three dental nurses, the practice manager and observed the practice and staff at work during this inspection.

We found the practice was clean and followed hygiene and infection control guidance. Checks were made to ensure appropriate standards of cleanliness were maintained and to ensure staff followed the protocols for decontaminating dental instruments and other infection control measures.

Staff were knowledgeable about their responsibilities in protecting patients from the risk of infection. Staff said they received training in hygiene and infection control We saw guidance to assist staff in using protective equipment and in washing their hands effectively was displayed.

We found that people were involved in treatment planning and making decisions about their dental care. People were given enough information to ensure they could make an informed choice about which course of treatment they wished to follow. Dentists and other practice staff were described as ‘’always friendly and polite.’’ People had a detailed assessment and treatment plan. They told us that they were ''quite satisfied'' with the care they were given. People told us that they always felt safe with the dentists and nurses and that they were made to feel comfortable. The practice followed infection control procedures to ensure that the environment and all dental equipment and tools were hygienic and clean. The dental practice asked patients and others their views on the service they offered. They had developed ways of checking that they maintained and improved the quality of care they were providing to their patients.