We gathered evidence against the outcomes we inspected to help answer our five key questions: Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service well led?

To find out what people using the practice thought about their experiences we sent a questionnaire to people who had attended the practice the week preceding our visit. We also spoke with people visiting the practice on the day of our visit and read responses to a patient survey the provider. People had also left comments about the practice on the provider’s website.

We met and spoke with five staff working at the practice. This included the dentist, dental therapist, dental nurses and administrator.

Is the service safe?

People told us they felt safe. The provider had policies and procedures in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and safeguarding vulnerable groups. The dental team at the practice had been trained in recognising signs of abuse and reporting concerns to local statutory agencies. This helped to ensure that people’s safety needs were met.

Is the service effective?

People’s dental and oral health needs were assessed in partnership with them to allow them to make informed decisions about treatment options. The quality of record keeping was good allowing evaluation through a clear history of each person's dental treatments and decisions leading to such treatment. This enabled the staff team to learn and improve practice.

Is the service caring?

People's preferences and interests had been recorded and health risk indicators were checked at each appointment to ensure people received suitable treatment. People told us the staff were caring.

Is the service responsive?

Daily urgent treatment slots were available, which ensured people received appropriate care in a timely way. People told us they could access appointments when they needed them.

Is the service well-led?

The practice had a quality assurance system, which promoted improvement of the service for the people using it. Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities. Staff had a good understanding of the quality assurance processes that were in place and used this information to improve their practice. This helped to ensure that people received a good quality service at all times.

People who visited the service told us they had their views taken into account when they were discussing treatment options with the dentist. One person said “I had a choice of three options” before they decided on what course of treatment they were going to have. They said they were given time to go away and decide whether the treatment was right for them before making any decisions about their treatment.