During our visit on 26 March we spoke with the provider, the acting practice manager, the receptionist and one of the dentists.

We spoke with seven people who attend Balkrishna Dental Practice. People spoken with were happy with the service they received. One person said “It’s a really good practice I am very pleased with the service I get.” People told us that they are able to make an appointment quite easily, and that they do not have to wait very long to see the dentist. One person said “I don’t have to wait long at all. Five to ten minutes at the most.”

We asked dental staff how the surgery decides on a treatment plan with a person. We were told this would depend on the oral health assessment that is completed at the start of each course of treatment. We were shown a completed assessment and people we spoke with told us that everything was always explained to them. One person told us “They are good at explaining things and they give me all the information I need”.

People we spoke with said that everything in the practice always looked clean and tidy. People confirmed that the dentists and nurses offered them glasses to protect their eyes during treatment. We were told the dentists wore these themselves and that they always wore disposable gloves.We observed the process for cleaning instruments and the nurse described how the equipment was monitored to ensure it was working efficiently. Staff spoken with told us that they had attended training in the decontamination of equipment. Staff said they felt confident with this procedure.

We asked if people had ever had to make a complaint. People we spoke with said they had never had any reason to complain. But they would speak to the receptionist or practice manager if they were unhappy with anything. We looked at the comments people had made about the service. Comments included, “I can’t fault the treatment I get. I would never go anywhere else.”