We visited The Dental Connection in Long Ditton to look at the care and treatment provided to people who used the service. During our inspection we spoke with three people who used the service, the dentist and two members of staff.

One person told us “We are given information about proposed treatments and we sign to agree.” Another person said “It’s very friendly here and he is the most gentle of dentists I have ever met.” All people agreed appointments were available to suit them.

People told us that the dentist involved them in decisions related to their treatments. There were no information leaflets available for patients but we were told the dentist gave a very through explanation so they fully understood the treatment that had been planned and any possible side effects.

People confirmed that the dentist checked their medical histories and medication regularly. Every year they were asked to complete another medical history form or asked to sign to confirm there were no changes. On the day of inspection we saw staff had identified those patients that needed to have their health check signed.

Infection control procedures were followed at the surgery. People told us the practice always looked clean and tidy.

We saw that records of qualifications, criminal record checks and professional registrations were up to date.

All the people we spoke with told us they knew how to make a complaint but had never made one.