We visited High Lane Dental Care on 15 August 2013 and found all areas clean and tidy. Seven dentists and three hygienists offered a range of NHS and private treatments. Surgeries were on two floors and the ground floor was fully accessible to disabled patients.

There were posters, leaflets and a patient information folder in reception. Staff interacted politely with patients and there was a private consultation room.

Policies and procedures were accessible to staff and emergency medical equipment was in place and regularly checked and maintained.

Records contained relevant medical information and treatment plans and were regularly reviewed and updated.

We spoke with nine patients who were all positive about the practice. One patient said “Care and treatment is good – appointments are given promptly for treatment needed.” Another said “Staff are very kind and considerate, they respect that I get very nervous.”

Decontamination processes were seen to be followed and plans were in place for a designated decontamination room to be added to the practice within the next eight weeks.

We spoke with two staff members who demonstrated an understanding of safeguarding and mental capacity issues.

Audits were regularly undertaken to ensure the quality of the service delivery. We found that complaints were taken seriously and patient comments and feedback were sought by the practice and used to inform changes and improvements to the service delivery.