There were six dentists providing services to patients on the day of our inspection. Each dentist was supported by a dedicated dental nurse and patients were welcomed to their appointments by a receptionist. There was a dedicated decontamination room nurse throughout the inspection. The practice manager and human resources (HR) manager provided management support during the inspection.

We spent time in the practice looking at five key standards of quality and safety for the way the practice provided its services. We found that the provider ensured their services were safe, caring, responsive, effective and well led through a team of qualified and experienced staff.

The patients we spoke with told us, “The staff are friendly and professional, they make me feel important” and “I feel very safe here, the team works together to make a comfortable atmosphere”. Patients told us their dentist kept them informed about the treatment they needed and involved them in decision making. Where a choice of treatment was available we saw from records and heard from patients how they were able to make informed choices about the treatment they needed.

We saw that treatment was provided following a full mouth assessment which included checks for caries, gum disease and oral cancer. Patients told us their treatment was delivered in private and they were treated with respect by all the staff. Where children had appointments we saw they were accompanied by their parent/guardian. Where a person had a tooth removed they told us it was done “Painlessly and professionally” and following appropriate information and advice. This showed people’s safety was ensured.

Cleanliness and infection control was carried out in accordance with current guidance. Records relating to the management of the practice were complete and regularly checked. Patient records were up to date, indicated medical alerts and changes to people’s medication and showed the treatment plans patients required to maintain effective oral health. Signed treatment plans were scanned into patient records on a secure patient record system.