When we visited Miller and Isaacs Dental Surgery we spoke to four patients, two dentists, a dental nurse and the practice administration manager. We observed how reception staff communicated with patients, looked at dental records and at how instruments were cleaned and sterilised.

The patients told us that the dentist had always asked about their medical history at every visit and explained their treatment to them. We looked at treatment plans and the information that had been given to patients about their treatment. Computerised and written treatment plans had been recorded that detailed each visit and also alerted clinicians to any health related concerns.

A patient told us that the dentist was very thorough and put them at their ease. Another patient told us that options had been explained and that the dentist looked after their gum health and provided a detailed treatment plan.

There were effective systems in place to reduce the risk of cross infection and clinical staff knew about the decontamination procedures to clean and sterilise instruments. The systems in the practice had been regularly audited and patient's views had been sought to help ensure that quality assurance was completed and comments acted upon.