This was the provider’s first inspection since their registration of this service. We saw they had commenced a programme of improvements to the service. We looked at the plans they had drawn up to expand the services they offered; these included a dental hygienist surgery and a specific surgery for dental implants.

We looked at eight patient records and spoke with eight patients who visited the practice during our inspection. We spoke with all the staff on duty on the day of our inspection. We looked at the provider’s website and the NHS Choices website to look at the information they provided for patients. We also looked, to see patient comments about the service and how the provider responded to patient feedback about their service.

The patients we met during our inspection spoke positively about the service and the staff; they told us; “There are no ‘dragons’ here. The staff are kind and helpful;” and their dentist was; “friendly and approachable.” One patient told us; “We’ve been using the dentists here for over twenty years and they’ve always been excellent. We’ve no complaints.” Other patient comments from patient feedback letters included; “Thank you for being so patient with such a nervous patient;” and “Thanks for being so welcoming and looking after us so well.”

We saw information was provided about the service in the reception and waiting areas of the practice. The cost of treatment through the NHS was available and information about oral health was provided. Information for patients was also available on the provider’s’ website. Patients told us they were involved in all aspects of their treatment and knew the cost of treatment they received as it was on their treatment plan.

Treatment was provided following a full mouth assessment and discussions with the patient. The choices available to the patient were explained, recorded and a treatment plan was signed to show patients agreed to the treatment planned. The patients we spoke with told us they were happy with the treatment provided and experienced no unnecessary pain.

The surgery and treatment rooms appeared clean and tidy. One patient told us, “It’s always clean and tidy here and the gradually updated decoration makes it even better”. Whilst another patient told us, “The staff always wear protective clothes like gloves and glasses when they treat me.” The dental nurses ensured the surfaces in the surgeries were cleaned between patients as well as at the end of each day. Dental equipment was cleaned in a way which demonstrated compliance with current Department of Health guidelines and checks were made to ensure faulty or damaged equipment was replaced.

Recruitment had been carried out in a way which ensured staff were suitably knowledgeable and experienced to fulfil their role. All clinical staff were registered with the General Dental Council. All staff had received basic skills training during their induction period which included first aid and awareness in hygiene and infection control practices. On-going staff support and development was encouraged and a programme of annual appraisal had been implemented.

The practice had a dual patient record system which currently included paper recording and computer based records. The registered manager who had taken over the practice seven months ago told us they planned to have all patient records recorded on the computer system within the next six months. The records we looked at were accurate and fit for purpose. Records relating to the running of the practice were up to date and routinely updated.