On this inspection we followed up improvement actions made at the last inspection in February 2012 in respect of infection control, safety of the premises and safeguarding of vulnerable patients. We were sent documentary evidence by the provider stating the required work had been completed immediately after the inspection. We took this opportunity to confirm this information.

We also looked at how the service monitored the quality of the provision. We spoke with the two dental nurses and dentist working at the practice, and two patients who used the practice.

We found service to be responsive because the opening hours were planned to ensure the patients who used the service could attend without taking time away from work. We also saw the service provided an easy payment scheme to enable patients to have treatment. Patients told us "it is easy to get an appointment, they are very flexible". We also found the required work identified by the improvement actions set at the last inspection, had been addressed.

Patients commented on the caring attitude and attentiveness of all staff who work at the service. We read comments from patients which stated they were comfortable attending service because of the caring attitude of the staff. One patient had commented “I feel like they know me and recognise me as a person”.

We saw there were policies and procedures in place which indicated the service was well led and provided professional guidance and training to the staff who work there. Staff told us “we are proud of where we work”. Patients told us "this is a great experience" and "I have already recommended this dentist to my friends".

We asked patients about the service and if they were satisfied with the treatment they had received. We were told "I have nearly completed my treatment and I very,very satisfied". The other comments we read from patients who used the service also expressed their satisfaction with the effective treatment they had received.

During our visit we looked around the premises and at the equipment and training staff had received in order to provide a safe service. Staff told us they received training and support to enable them to provide a safe service. They confirmed to us their understanding of obtaining informed consent and supporting patients to make choices which suited them. Staff also said they only completed work they had been trained to do.

We spoke with four people who were receiving emergency dental treatment which took place during dedicated emergency sessions three times a week. They all told us that they had found it very easy to access the emergency service via NHS Direct and the dental helpline. They were all impressed with the short time from making the call to having an appointment, person told us ‘I only called an hour ago and they said there was a free space so I came straight away’. Everyone said that the dentist was friendly and made them feel comfortable and relaxed. This was very important to two people who told us they were very nervous when visiting the dentist. One person said, “The dentist was brilliant and very good at making me feel relaxed’.

The practice used digital X- rays which people told us were useful in being able to understand what treatment was required.