We found that effective recruitment and selection processes were in place. Records and checks relating to staff had been carried out / obtained these included checking relevant staff with the Disclosure and Barring Service. The checks carried out on staff helped to ensure they were suitable to work with people who may be vulnerable.
During this inspection we looked at records and spoke to staff to find out if the practice had met a compliance action that we set following our inspection in November 2012. This related to information and checks pertaining to staff.
We found that progress had been made in meeting this compliance action. Information relating to staff past employment, relevant medical history, identification and references had been obtained. However the practice had not obtained Disclosure and Barring Service checks for staff who may work with vulnerable people.
People told us that they had always found the practice to be clean and tidy with several people commenting it had always been, 'Spotless'. They also confirmed that staff had always worn disposable gloves, aprons and masks and provided disposable cloths and goggles for them, if needed.
People told us that they liked the staff who they had always found to be polite and helpful. Comments we received included, 'A very good dentist', 'They are reassuring and very patient', 'Very friendly' and 'Very efficient'.
All of the people we spoke with told us that they had regularly been asked to update their health information form and that prior to any treatment this had been thoroughly explained to them and their consent obtained. They also told us that they had regularly been provided with information about maintaining their dental health. Everyone who had received prior treatment told us that they had been satisfied with this and with the care provided to them.
Nobody we spoke with had had any complaints about the practice, with one person explaining, 'No complaints at all. I've nothing bad to say about them'. Nobody we spoke with was aware of the complaints procedure but they all stated that they would raise their concerns with the practice in the first instance.