10 January 2014
During a routine inspection
We found that patients were given treatment options and that they were given adequate information and time to make decisions before consenting to treatment. A patient told us 'Everything is explained to me and sometimes the dentist will demonstrate the work I need so that I know exactly what it will entail.' There were suitable arrangements for gaining consent for children and for patients who lacked capacity to give valid consent.
Patients received a comprehensive dental assessment and treatment was planned and delivered to meet their individual needs in a safe way. Patients indicated that they were satisfied with the service they had received. One patient told us 'I have been to other practices but do not feel as comfortable as I do at this one.' Another commented 'The practice is really good, they care and all of the staff make you feel welcome.'
Government guidance on relation to infection prevention and cleanliness was being followed and staff demonstrated a good understanding of infection control procedures and their roles. All of the patients we spoke with told us that they were confident that there were high standards of cleanliness at the service.
Staff were appropriately qualified and registered to do their jobs and suitable background checks had been carried out. Patients told us that they had confidence in the staff. One patient told us 'I always feel what they are doing is in my best interest.'
The practice had systems in place to assess and continually review the service that it provides and made improvements where needed.