During our inspection of the practice we met and spoke with five people using the service. Some had come in for routine treatments, others as emergencies. People spoken with told us they were very satisfied with the service. One person said, “I wish I had come here years ago, they are marvellous.” Everyone told us that they had observed good hygiene standards and found the practice accessible. People were able to park less than a five minute walk away and said they could get an appointment at a time that suited them. Everyone said that treatment options were explained clearly to them and they never felt pressurised.

We met with staff, the principle dentist and a second dentist working part- time at the practice. All staff were accommodating and familiar with the established routines and the surgeries policies and procedures. The surgery occupied the first floor and had two treatment rooms and a separate room to sterilise instruments. We observed staff sterilising the dental instruments and found staff knowledgeable about infection control procedures.

Staff were knowledgeable of local safeguarding arrangements for protecting vulnerable people but had not had specific training to help them identify different types of abuse and actions they should take, if they witnessed or had an allegation of abuse reported to them. Policies and flow charts were in displayed in the staff room telling staff how to recognise abuse and what actions to take.

Staff kept up to date with their professional development and had the necessary skills and experience to deliver high standards of care and treatment to patients.