25 January 2012
During a routine inspection
We asked about some complex dental work that had been done and they said they were told about the treatment and given an expectation as to the outcome and discomfort that they might feel. We asked whether they felt they had given informed consent and they replied 'absolutely'. They also said that the costs of the treatment were 'exactly as advised'.
We asked if there were any concerns and they said that sometimes you have to wait a while to see your preferred dentist. However they then said if you were prepared to see anyone this was not a problem.
Another patient told us that the practice was 'excellent' and that the staff were pleasant and professional. When asked whether they were given enough understandable information about procedures they said they 'thought so' and that 'they don't try to sell the private option'.
We asked the patient if they signed a consent form and they said 'yes'. They further said that enough information had been given for them to make a decision.
We asked about complaints procedures and the patient said they would speak to the receptionist to ask advice. They also referred the inspector to information on how to complain displayed in the waiting areas.
We asked about concerns and the patient said they 'were struggling to think of anything negative'.
We spoke to two patients who had used the practice for several years. Both told us they were always happy with the cleanliness of the building in general and the surgery rooms in particular. They both said that they were offered protective equipment such as bibs and eye shields and that the staff wore appropriate equipment.
One described the cleanliness as 'spot on'. Another patient said that they had no concerns about cleanliness. They said that in general the practice rooms were clean considering their age but also said that the treatment rooms were 'immaculate'.