This was a responsive follow up visit to check the practice was now compliant with the CQC domain - safety - with respect to the provider having suitable arrangements to reduce the risk of cross infection.

At our last visit there was no dedicated hand washing sink for clinicians or hand washing sink in the decontamination area where dental instruments were cleaned. The provider told us they would install a sink for clinical staff to minimise the risk of cross infection at the practice. We checked this had been carried out.

In reviewing the suitability of the premises we did not find it necessary to speak with people receiving dental treatment on this occasion.

When we visited the practice we toured the premises, and spoke with the registered person who was the dentist, also the nurse and the practice manager. We looked at documents relating to the running of the practice. A small sample of people who used the service returned our survey to give us their experience of the service.

People said that they found the staff helpful and friendly. One person said they had found the dentist to be competent and professional over a lengthy period so that gave them confidence. People said the staff and the environment made them feel calm and relaxed.

People had seen that the charges for treatment were displayed in the waiting room. They said that the dentist had discussed with them their treatment needs and options, so they were able to make informed decisions.

People told us that they saw the practice was always clean and well presented. However, we found that the process for decontaminating instruments was not entirely in accordance with professional guidance, and there were no dedicated hand washing facilities for the clinical staff. This put people at risk of cross infection.