We met with five people who had come for treatment during our visit. One person told us they were very pleased because they had toothache and they had been offered an appointment the same day. 'I would give them a gold star', they said, adding that they had found the service to be excellent, and staff were always polite.Other people confirmed that the dentists were helpful. 'They are always polite, and I never feel nervous.'
The dentists had provided information as people needed it; 'They showed me the X-rays, so I could see what the problem was', one person told us. Another said the dentist 'talked me through the NHS price banding and how much it would cost'.
People had been given advice about how to avoid further tooth decay, and there were leaflets on display in the reception area with advice about maintaining oral health.
A complaints procedure was displayed in the waiting area. People had been asked for their views of the service in an anonymous survey.
Cedar Rise is a striking new building, lined with wood, with views across gardens. One person commented, saying 'It is smashing coming here, smelling the wood'. They also said the receptionist made them 'tremendously welcome'.
One person was telling us they were happy with the service, when they were called to their appointment. We observed very short waiting times throughout our visit.
The principal dentist told us, 'This is a family business, and our ethos is to treat people the way we would expect our family to be treated.'