On our inspection in March 2013 we found that the provider was unable to evidence that effective systems were in place to monitor and reduce the risk of infection to people. At this inspection on 16 August 2013 we found that improvements had been made and there were effective processes in place to protect people from the risk of infection.

Staff demonstrated knowledge of the process for decontaminating dental instruments and we saw records showing that daily cleaning schedules were completed.

During our inspection we spoke with three people who use the service. People said that they were always able to get an appointment when they needed one. They said that when they were in pain, or in an emergency, they were able to be seen on the day. The people we spoke with had each been using the service for over 15 years and said that they would not go anywhere else. They said this was due to the pleasant manner of all the staff and that the dentist took time to explain their treatment at each stage. Some comments we received from people were "I always get good care”, “everything is always explained to me, and he (dentist) answers any questions I have.”

People said they were involved in and consented to the treatment they received. They said they felt able to ask questions to clarify what would happen during their treatment, and were told about costs they would have to pay prior to this being given.

There were sufficient levels of staff who worked at the service.

We were shown the steps that were taken for the control and prevention of infection and the equipment used for this. However, there were no records to evidence that regular and routine infection control practices took place at the service, which could put people at risk.