When we visited Connaught House dental practice in May 2013 we found that the practice was not undertaking audits to assess and monitor the quality of the services they provided. The provider subsequently sent us an action plan that outlined how the improvements were going to be made and we visited the practice again on 30 August 2013.

We found that the provider had implemented a system for auditing the services they provided. An audit process was now in place and audits had already been undertaken.

When we visited in April 2013 we found that people were given appropriate information to enable them to make choices about their care and treatment. Treatment options, costs and benefits were explained before they were asked to consent in writing and people were treated with dignity and respect. We found that care records were clear and informative and contained medical histories of patients that were updated regularly. One person we spoke with said, "My medication is reviewed each time I attend for treatment."

Infection control procedures met the guidelines laid down by the Department of Health and all areas within the practice were clean and tidy. Dental instruments were sterilised, packaged and sealed in line with published guidance.

Staff we spoke with were supported through supervision and appraisals and in maintaining their professional qualifications through continuous professional development learning.

Staff meetings and patient surveys took place regularly where areas for improvement were identified. The patient survey results demonstrated a high level of satisfaction from people using the service. People we spoke with were complimentary about the care they received. This showed that they were happy with the care and treatment that was provided.

However, the practice did not routinely undertake audits of the service they provided and this is an area where improvements are required in order to ensure that people do not receive unsafe care or treatment.