We found that Smile Matters provided people who used the service with an assessment of their individual needs and carried out treatment plans to address the identified needs. The practice operated from premises which were clean and tidy and the staff members followed recommended infection control procedures. There were appropriate procedures in place for prescribing and dispensing medicines.

The staff team presented as enthusiastic and professional in their approach. We thought they supported each other well. One patient described the staff team as 'very friendly.' We noted that one dentist took a particular interest in treating children and other dentists had other specialities. The practice also undertook visits to some local care homes and staff expressed their commitment to this.

The practice regularly surveyed people who had attended appointments in order to better understand the patient experience. There was evidence that they had learned from this, as well as from other events and training.