On the day of our visit we spoke with six patients who were complimentary about the practice. All felt they were treated with respect and dignity and were in safe caring hands. We observed that verbal consent to treatment was obtained prior to treatment thus respecting patient’s wishes. All six patients told us they were informed about the treatment alternatives and possible outcomes of the treatment.

One person told us "this is an excellent practice I've been coming for years and so have all the family". One young person told us "they’re good". Two other patients told us they had no concerns and found the practice to be welcoming, clean and comfortable

.

We saw a patient satisfaction survey was used to gather feedback. The results of the last survey in 2013 demonstrated patients were very happy with all aspects of the practice.

Patients told us they could make an appointment at times that suited them. They told us they were aware of the emergency number and had always been able to get an appointment within 24 hours.

The practice had access for patients with disabilities. For patients who are wheelchair users a temporary ramp was available for the front of the building to avoid the steps into the practice. Once in the practice there were facilities on the ground floor to provide all the services offered by the practice.

Systems were in place to ensure staff were appropriately supported in relation to their responsibilities, which enabled them to deliver care and treatment to patients safely and to an appropriate standard.

We saw effective systems were in place to monitor and improve the quality of the service provided. Staff and patients told us they felt this was a well led and responsive service to meet patients’ needs effectively.

People who used the service told us they were happy with the treatment provided at Linden House Dental Practice. They told us staff were always helpful, friendly and polite. We spoke with three people who used the service who told us they had been recommended to use the practice by friends and family. One person said “They are really good with my son and daughter so decided to choose this one” and said “one thing I like about this practice is that they ask your opinion”.

People spoken with told us they received treatment that is explained clearly by the dentist. One person said “They talk through all the different treatment possibilities and they are very competent”.

People who used the service told us they were able to make routine appointments easily. We spoke with the registered provider about how people would be seen if they required urgent treatment. They told us they had all out of hours contact details on their answer phone.