During our inspection we spoke with four patients. We spoke with six staff; these were the practice manager, the orthodontist, the orthodontic therapist, the treatment co-ordinator, the head nurse and one of the receptionists.

We also took information from other sources to help us understand the views of people who used the service, which included a patient satisfaction survey and staff meeting minutes.

The patients we spoke with told us they thought they received good dental treatment from the orthodontists. One patient told us, “The dentists are friendly, confident, welcoming and informative.” Another patient told us, “The dentist was excellent and every consideration was given to me.”

The practice was following appropriate guidance in relation to infection control and the staff were well trained and supported. A member of staff we spoke with told us, “We have very high standards when it comes to infection control.”

Staff knew what their role was to protect vulnerable adults and children from abuse. A member of staff that we spoke with told us, "I have completed the online safeguarding training and if I have any concerns there is a poster in the staff room about who to contact from the local authority if I need to".

The practice had systems in place to assess and monitor the service and effectively deal with complaints when necessary.

People we spoke with who attended the practice told us that they were very satisfied with the service provided. They said that they found the staff to be friendly and helpful and they were treated with respect and their privacy was maintained.

This was reinforced by positive comments received and also evident from direct observation of effective interaction and of individuals being supported in a professional, sensitive and respectful manner.

People told us that they were given sufficient information about their treatment options and the relevant fees and were able to ask any questions or raise any issues or concerns that they might have.

‘My dentist referred us to this practice and we have always been delighted with it. We’ve been coming now for some time as my other daughter has recently completed a course of treatment’.

‘Everything has been explained to us very clearly about the treatment my daughter requires. The orthodontist is very reassuring and is a ‘calming influence’. Everyone here is just so kind and helpful’.