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

People's records included details of their medical history and of the examination by the dentist, the outcome, and recommendations for treatment and follow up. The service offered treatment under sedation using an independent sedation service. The arrangements for sedation appeared in order but not all members of the dental team had received training and periodic updating on conscious sedation.

The service had procedures in place with regard to safeguarding children. Procedures for safeguarding adults were at the draft stage at the time of this inspection.

Procedures for protecting people from the risk of infection appeared satisfactory. Those included infection control systems and procedures. Arrangements for staff training and continuing professional development ensured staff had the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of people using the service. A system of staff appraisal had yet to be developed.