When we inspected Hawthorn Dental Practice on 10 January 2014 we found people were provided with information about their treatment and were asked for their consent. One person who used the service told us, “They tell me about the risks, they told me my procedure was quite tricky and explained exactly why and what other options I could go for.”

People’s needs were assessed prior to treatment being offered, which included assessment of a person's general health as well as their dental needs. Treatment plans were developed with the person to reflect their individual needs and were reviewed at each visit. One person who used the service told us, “Each time I come they ask me about any changes to my health or if I have changed my medicines.”

The practice operated a decontamination process that was in accordance with Department of Health instructions on decontamination. One person who used the service told us, “The cleanliness here is ace, the surgeries, waiting areas, toilets and reception are impeccably clean, I can’t fault it.”

Staff received appropriate training relevant to their role and maintained their professional registration through continuing professional development. Staff we spoke with told us they felt supported by the provider to perform their role. One member of staff we spoke with told us, “This is probably the best practice I have worked in, I feel very well supported by [dentist] who is supporting me to develop my career.”

The provider regularly assessed and monitored the quality of the service by carrying out a range of audits. The provider also sought the views of people who used the service in relation to the quality of care they received.