University of Bath Dental Centre

The practice sent us an action plan and outlined how it intended to improve. This included when the refurbishment of the practice would be completed, which was by the summer of 2013. We went back to the practice in August 2013 to review the improvements. We found the practice had been extensively refurbished.

This included all areas being repainted; flooring in the hallway and waiting room being cleaned; the treatment room being refitted to a high standard; new dental chairs and dental equipment; and a separate decontamination room being created and fitted out.

The practice was clean and well maintained. All the procedures and policies met the requirements of the guidance for cleanliness and infection control.

People felt the care and treatment was "excellent", "very good", and "I cannot fault it." We were told staff were "professional, but also friendly" and "courteous and nice." One person who had left the university some years previously said: "I don't live in the area anymore, but I still come back to this dentist."

We found people were able to give valid informed consent to any treatment. Their records were fit for purpose and held securely and confidentially.

Staff were well supported and trained to give safe and effective care.

The practice was not meeting the Department of Health guidelines for decontamination and cross-infection control in a number of areas. The storage of clean instruments did not follow recommended practice. The work surfaces were no longer sealed in places. The dental chair was damaged from wear and tear. The sinks did not meet recommended standards. There was no agreed protocol for manual cleaning or any quarterly audit programme undertaken.