We phoned the practice to give two days' notice of our visit. We spoke with two people who used the service. We toured the premises, spoke with four staff, and the practice dentist. We looked at documents relating to the running of the practice.

People’s comments included “The dentist is very careful; my physical health issues are looked after." Another person said, " It is a lovely practice; I have recommended my friends to them.” and “we are always well looked after.”

We found that there were systems in place to keep the practice clean and hygienic including effective decontamination of instruments in accordance with guidelines.

Training and support were provided to maintain a safe service. Regular checks were made on machines and systems to ensure safety was maintained.

We spoke with seven people who had treatment with Dr Rudge. They were all very satisfied with their care and treatment. A representative sample of their responses were;-

“They explain the problem, and are always very pleasant and reassuring”.

“My grandchildren have needed teeth realigning. They took care not to frighten them. It was all very satisfactory, and they have nice smiles now”.

One person told us, “I have poor hearing, but they understand me”. We saw staff taking care to make themselves understood with a person who had severe hearing difficulties.

“They tell you about your options, and the prices”.

“They will fit you in if you have an emergency”.

One person told us that particular care had been taken for a family member who had been very ill with breathing difficulties. “They were most thoughtful and considerate, they had to pace the treatment”.

One person was being fitted with new dentures, “They look natural. I have every confidence that they will fit well, it is remarkable the trouble they have gone to get to this stage. They told me how much it would cost. You know exactly what is going on”.

People were appreciative of the hygienists who were employed by the practice. One person told us about the care of their relative who was physically frail, “The hygienist takes every care when helping her on to the treatment chair”.

“They make you feel welcome”.

“Excellent – the whole staff. Very efficiently run. They keep abreast of developments here, and tell me why as well as what needs to be done”.

There is level access to the treatment rooms. A few steps lead to the reception area.