24 April 2013
During a routine inspection
The endodontist told us that patients completed a medical history form before starting treatment, and patients were asked about relevant points such as allergies. In most cases treatment started at the first appointment.
The environment was clean and tidy on the day of the inspection. There were appropriate arrangements to decontaminate, sterilize, package and store instruments safely.
The dentist and dental nurse had undertaken relevant training that was up to date.
There was no formal process for collecting peoples' views on their treatment, but patients fed back comments informally. In the event of a complaint the practice had a policy and a procedure. On conclusion of treatment the endodontist gave patients information, verbally and in writing about after care and pain relief, and encouraged them to telephone him if they had any concerns. Two patients we spoke to said that they had telephoned the practice for follow up. One said "the dentist took time to speak to me about how I was feeling. He was brilliant".