We were able to speak with nine people using the services of the dental practice during our inspection visit on 27 February 2012. This was in order to hear about their experiences of the service they received. Some people also agreed to let us observe while they were in the treatment room with the dentist they were seeing. We were able to observe how people were treated by all three of the dentists working at the practice at the time of our visit.

People we spoke with were all complimentary and expressed confidence with and trust in their dentists. They told us that all the staff working at the practice were polite and respectful. One person told us that they had hated dentists and said, “I have never been a good patient but I like him”.

Some people who had received treatment from the hygienist on previous visits to the practice told us they received advice and information about oral health.

People we spoke with told us that they felt fully informed and involved in decisions about treatment they required. They said they were given detailed information to ensure they understood the reason for any treatment. They told us that their dentists used X-rays to show them any problems they had. They also said that if alternative treatments were available they were discussed with them. They told us they were given plans when any treatment was proposed and this included information about its cost. They said that if they needed an appointment because of an emergency that appointments were arranged very quickly. They also told us that appointments for non-urgent treatment did “not take long”.