We spoke with the registered manager, the practice co-ordinator and three members of staff. We also spoke with three patients and their relatives and looked at hard copy and computerised records. We observed, with the permission of the patient and their parents, a new patient consultation. People we spoke with told us that they were given enough information to make an informed decision. One parent said that staff were, “… very professional and friendly. It’s a nice balance.”

We saw four sets of computerised records. We saw that each record contained an assessment of the patient’s progress and confirmation that their medical history had been checked at each appointment. We also saw that each record contained photographs of the patient taken before treatment started. Records of completed treatments also included photographs to show the effect of the treatment. People commented on the friendliness of staff. One patient said “I enjoy coming here.”

The practice had a separate decontamination room. We watched a dental nurse carrying out the sterilisation process according to the practice policy, ensuring that instruments were sterilised after use.

We reviewed the practice's recruitment and selection policy an this established a clear policy for the recruitment of staff. This ensured that staff were appropriately qualified and able to undertake their roles. We saw that the records relevant to the management of the services were accurate and fit for purpose.