Patients were visiting at the time of our inspection and we offered them the opportunity to speak with us although no one wished to on this occasion.

We looked at a total of 30 patient feedback cards the practice had received since January 2013. practice had received since January 2013. These showed a high degree of patient satisfaction and the only request for improvement made by one patient was for longer opening times.

Each medical history and treatment plan had been signed by the individual patient, or their parent / guardian to confirm the information that they had provided and to consent to the treatment plan.

The senior practice partner and a dental nurse were able to provide a detailed explanation of their understanding of the mental capacity act requirements. The senior practice partner reported to us that the service had not encountered a need to consider this for any patients but knew it was important to remain aware of this as a possible consideration.

We were shown an audit carried out in June 2012 by the local primary care trust which identified the practice as fully complying with infection control procedures.

The practice used photographic x-rays, and an x-ray area is specifically set aside to carry this out. Developing of x rays also took place in this same room which was clean and free of any obstruction.