We carried out this inspection to check that the provider had taken action to address an area of non-compliance identified at our inspection of 26 July 2013. At that inspection we had found that the provider’s systems designed to assess the risk of and to prevent, detect and control the spread of a health care associated infection were not effective. There was no separate sink for hand washing in the decontamination room.

In March 2014, the provider told us that by 31 March 2014 he would endeavour to arrange a separate hand washing sink to be installed, and if not he would forward an action plan.

At this inspection we identified that the separate hand washing sink had not yet been installed. However, we spoke with the provider who advised that the matter was in hand and the sink was to be installed during the week of our inspection. Following our visit the provider wrote to us to confirm that the separate hand washing sink had been installed and was operative.

Patients told us they were happy with the service. One patient said, “My overall impression is very good. They listen to what you want and are very professional.” Another patient said, “I’m pleased, the service is good, it’s a nice environment and it’s clean.”

Patients told us they were treated in confidence and respectfully. One patient said, “I was given all the information I needed.” Another patient said, “They are always good here when I come.” The treatment plans we saw contained clear information for patients and had been signed by them. Relevant health information had been obtained. Staff had been provided with a range of relevant training. Patients had been asked to give their views via a patient survey.

The dental surgery was clean and tidy. There were records confirming that the decontamination steriliser had been serviced regularly and that daily checks were being undertaken. We saw that clinical audits and a decontamination audit had been carried out and that areas for development had been identified However, there was no dedicated sink for hand hygiene in the decontamination room which could mean that patients and staff were at risk from possible risks of infection as a result.