The purpose of this inspection was to find out answers to five key questions. Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service well led?

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection when we sought information about people's experience and gained views from people who used the service, the staff who supported them and from looking at records.

We spoke with the provider (principal dentist) associate dentist, dental hygienist, dental nurses and receptionists, in addition to spending time with the practice manager.

Staff described the practice as “a busy friendly place to work” and “a lovely practice”. A trainee nurse told us they had “excellent training” and felt supported by everyone in the practice. One of the receptionists described the practice as “feeling like a family”.

Is the service caring?

People described staff as friendly and helpful. There were records maintained of the treatment people received after being given information about the options available to them. One person told us their children were “treated brilliantly”.

Is the service responsive?

One person told us they found it easy to register with the practice. All five people we spoke with were happy with the service they received. The practice referred people to specialist providers when required. There were medicines and oxygen available for medical emergencies.

Is the service safe?

People told us they felt “safe” when they were being treated. The provider had made arrangements to respond to any concerns of child abuse or the need to safeguard vulnerable adults. The practice had arrangements in place to maintain good standards of hygiene. When people had x-rays the justification for taking the x-ray was recorded so that they were not taken unnecessarily.

Is the service effective?

People attended for routine checks at frequencies of between three months and two years depending on their oral health. Their medical history and current health needs were checked so that they could be taken into consideration when treatment was planned and delivered.

Is the service well led?

All of the staff we spoke with said they felt supported by the practice manager, dentists and by each other. The provider had a system to monitor the quality of the service provided that included discussing the results of audits with staff. The practice manager had an effective complaints system.