This was the practice’s first inspection since dental services were required to register with the Care Quality Commission.

The practice provides dental services to both private and NHS patients. During our inspection we spoke with twelve patients about their experiences of using the service that day; these people made positive comments about the practice and the dental care they received. One person told us, “The staff are extremely friendly and always get back to you if you have a query;” another person told us, “I’m always reminded of appointments and they are always friendly and helpful here.”

We saw people were greeted politely and that they received their examinations in private. We asked people how they were involved in their treatment planning and whether they were informed about what the treatment might involve. People told us how the dentists involved them at all times, and gave them sufficient information to make decisions and choices about their treatment. Information about the costs of treatment and the services provided were available in the surgery and on the practices website.

We looked at the consultation rooms and other areas of the practice and were satisfied people received safe and effective treatment in a clean environment. Processes were in place to ensure hygiene standards were maintained. We met and spoke with the majority of the staff working in the practice during our inspection and checked staff records to ensure appropriate recruitment took place. We found that patient records were detailed and were up to date and reflected the treatment received that day.

We looked at information relating to the management of the practice and saw these were up to date. The receptionists checked people’s information was correct when they arrived for appointments and dentists’ updated people’s records on their computer and paper record systems after each consultation ensuring patient information was current.