The people we spoke with expressed a good level of satisfaction with the service. They told us staff were friendly and professional. They said they had always been given a good explanation of the outcome of examination and of any treatment proposed. They told us they had confidence in the staff. People said they had not encountered problems in getting an appointment and, on arriving for their appointment, did not usually have to wait long before being seen by a dentist.

People’s records included details of their medical history, the clinical examination by the dentist, the outcome, and where required, recommendations for treatment and follow up. The service had arrangements in place to protect people from abuse. Those included guidance for staff, information, and staff training.

Procedures for protecting people from the risk of infection appeared satisfactory. Those included an infection control policy and procedures, the organisation of work in key areas, arrangements for monitoring procedures, and periodic audit of the arrangements. Copies of procedures, schedules of tasks and responsibilities, and records of tasks carried out were readily available.

Arrangements for the induction of new staff and for staff training and continuing professional development aimed to ensure staff had the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of people using the service.