We spoke with four people who attended the practice during our visit. People had been attending the practice for many years and told us they liked the practice. They described the staff as “very helpful” and “polite and nice”.

People told us the dentist explained treatment options to them and they gave consent to treatment. They said that they felt safe at the practice with one person adding “that’s why I return”. People told us that they found the practice to be clean and hygienic. People did not know the procedure for making a complaint if they were dissatisfied with the service. One person said they would find out and others said “Talk to the receptionist”.

We looked at the NHS Choices that gave people the opportunity to ‘post’ messages about their experiences of NHS services. There were mixed messages on the website. For example one person wrote “Professional efficient service. Been with them for 24 years” and another person said “I attended as an emergency. I was seen very quickly, treated with courtesy and informed of my options for treatment. Couldn’t ask for more on this occasion”. There had been negative comments made in the past but no one who was treated in 2013 had said anything negative about the practice.

Staff told us they felt supported, that there was good team working and they had good training opportunities.

Information was made available to people who used the service and they were given options and asked to give consent prior to the commencement of treatment. People’s care was based on relevant guidance and records were maintained of the treatment they received. There were arrangements in place to deal with medical emergencies and for the protection of children and vulnerable adults.

The premises were fit for purpose and were well maintained in order to keep people safe. Equipment was checked regularly and there were suitable arrangements for maintaining the cleanliness of the service and infection control.

The provider had effective arrangements in place to seek the views of those who used the service and to monitor the quality of service provided.