10 July 2013
During a routine inspection
People made positive comments about staff and indicated they felt safe and well cared for. One person told us, "Overall, I am very happy. I wouldn't change my dentist'. We saw people were kept informed and consulted about their dental options and treatment plans. There were robust systems in place to gain consent for treatment.
People told us and we saw evidence that high standards of care and welfare were operating at the practice. Staff were trained appropriately to deal with medical emergencies and necessary emergency procedures were in place alongside current stocks of emergency medications and oxygen cylinders.
We looked at two sets of patient notes held on the practice computer system. We observed these included a medical history and were regularly updated to ensure they accurately reflected treatment discussions and choices.
The premises were clean and well maintained. Decontamination procedures were adequately aligned with Department of Health guidance on decontamination in primary dental care. There were arrangements for infection control checks and daily cleaning tasks as well as auditing processes in place. Staff were knowledgeable regarding infection control and decontamination procedures. There was documented evidence that equipment used had been maintained and inspected by specialist contractors.
We saw there were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff employed at the practice to support people.