During our inspection on 24 October 2013 a number of shortfalls were identified. The provider did not have adequate procedures in place to safeguard people from the risks of abuse. Staff were aware of infection control guidelines however there was no evidence that audits had been carried out to ensure infection control guidelines were being followed. We found the provider did not have accurate records for the servicing of dental equipment, there was no system in place to obtain patients' views of the service provided, and there was not an effective system in place to identify, assess and manage risks to the health, safety and welfare of people using the service and staff.

At this inspection we found improvements had been made. Procedures were in place to safeguard patients from the risk of abuse and infection control procedures were being monitored. We saw evidence that dental equipment was being regularly serviced and satisfaction surveys had been completed to obtain patients' views and opinions of the service provided. A health and safety policy was in place and a health and safety risk assessment had been carried out to identify and mitigate risks to patients who used the service and staff.

We spoke with staff and patients who used the service. The staff explained the dental treatment process which included oral hygiene advice and personalised treatment plans. Patients we spoke with told us they were respected and were made aware of all the treatment options and costs involved before making any decisions.

We saw that the provider assessed patients treatment needs and had arrangements in place to deal with foreseeable emergencies. We saw that the staff were polite and respectful at all times and maintained patient's dignity by keeping the door to the surgery closed when treatment was taking place.

The provider did not always safeguard people from the risks of abuse because there was no vulnerable adult safeguarding policy and we did not see evidence that the staff had received training in safeguarding adults. However, the staff we spoke with were aware of the steps to take in response to a safeguarding incident.

We did not see that infection control audits took place but staff were aware of and demonstrated effective infection control processes. Patients told us they felt safe. We found that the provider did not have accurate records for the servicing of equipment within the practice.

The provider acted to deal with incidents and complaints and took appropriate steps to ensure similar incidents did not happen again. Although there was an effective complaints policy, patients did not have the opportunity to complete satisfaction surveys.