We carried out an inspection in December 2013 and found shortfalls in the decontamination processes used by the surgery. We also found that staff had not received adequate training on the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and did not receive regular supervision.

The provider wrote to us and told us the actions they would take to make the required improvements. They stated that the actions would be completed by the end of February 2014.

We carried out this announced inspection to monitor compliance with the regulations.

We observed the decontamination process and looked at records that related to staff training and supervision. During the inspection we spoke with three members of staff.

The practice had suitable processes in place for decontamination of dental instruments which ensured that the risk of cross infection and contamination of cleaned instruments was minimised.

Staff had received initial training on the use of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and further training was being developed and implemented to ensure staff had a good understanding of the procedures to be followed.

Regular supervision and performance monitoring sessions had commenced and they were planned for regular intervals.

We spoke with three people who used this dental service. People told us “Most pleasant dentist I’ve ever come across for being polite and welcoming”, “receptionists always pleasant”, and “All very helpful”.

People told us their dentist explained their dental health issues and discussed treatment options. One person told us they had been advised about costs of treatment.

We found that there were systems in place to keep the practice clean and hygienic however the decontamination of instruments was not effective and put people at risk of infection.

We found staff had undertaken regular training and dentists maintained their personal development to meet their registration requirements.

We found complaints were taken seriously and handled appropriately.