When we inspected Bancroft Dental Limited on 24 January 2014 we found that people were provided with information about their treatment and they were asked for their consent. One person told us, “I was given a full explanation of what my choices were; they explain everything to you. I booked in to come back in today to have [the treatment].” Another person said, “I was given a written plan that outlined all the costs which I signed.”

People’s needs were assessed and treatment was planned and delivered in line with those individual needs at both the private and the NHS surgery. This included an assessment of their general health and medical history as well as their dental needs. One person said, “They always ask me quite a lot of questions about my health.” Another person told us, “[The dentist] took some photos and showed me what needed doing on a [handheld tablet screen].”

Each of the dental nurses was trained in decontamination techniques with one of the nurses assigned to decontamination duties for each day according to a rota. The process for transporting, cleaning, sterilising and packaging of instruments was in accordance with the essential quality requirements described by the relevant Department of Health guidance. One person told us, “They are perfectly hygienic. It is spotless and they all wear clean clothing and masks and gloves."

Staff were supported to carry out their role through regular training, an effective appraisal system and attendance at practice meetings.

The provider used an independently produced quality management product that helped them to manage the practice systems and assure quality. The provider also took account of a range of audits to monitor and improve the practice.