Before people received care or treatment they, or where appropriate their family, were asked for their consent and the provider acted in accordance with their wishes. Where people did not have the capacity to consent, the provider acted in accordance with legal requirements.

The dental service was delivered in one of three locations within Calderdale Royal Hospital. The location was determined by either the age of people or where most appropriate to meet their physical or behavioural needs. Children were admitted to the paediatric ward. Adults not presenting with behavioural needs were admitted to the day care unit and those with behavioural needs were admitted to a dedicated in-patient ward.

We observed the provider of the dental service had sought out a suitable clinical partner to enable them to discharge their responsibilities of providing a safe service consistent with current legislation.

People were cared for, or supported by, suitably qualified, skilled and experienced staff.

The provider had an effective system to regularly assess and monitor the quality of service that people received. The provider had an effective system in place to identify, assess and manage risks to the health, safety and welfare of people who used the service.