During this inspection we spoke with the dentist, the practice manager who was also the receptionist, two dental nurses and five people who used the service.

All the people who used the service and who we spoke with told us that they had been coming to this dentist for longer than a year. They all said they were happy with the service they received and that it was a good practice. They told us that the dentist always explained what treatment was needed, the options for treatment and how much it would cost. One person said, “The dentist keeps me fully informed about what he is going to do, the options and the cost of my treatment”. Another person said “I expect the best treatment and it’s always received here”.

We found people’s records included detailed information about their treatment plans and they were securely locked away and not accessible to anyone who did not have authorised access to them.

We found the practice had arrangements in place to deal with foreseeable emergencies. There were safeguarding policies that related to adults and children. People were protected from the risk of infection because appropriate guidance had been followed. We also found that there was an effective complaints system available.

Patients interviewed spoke very highly of the dentist and the team, having attended the practice for many years.

Although working towards full compliance and good practice, certain areas of compliance could not be evidence based on occasions, due to omission of adequate logs, and staff training files being maintained.

Although a policy folder was sighted, there was no evidence that these had been read and understood by staff members. There was no indication of staff appraisals being done, or documentation of induction training.

Documents were not displayed: Employers public liability insurance certificate, Patient violence and aggression policy, Patient complaints policy, Missed / failed appointment policy, quality assurance policy, Ionizing radiation Local Rules.