24 April 2012
During a routine inspection
Patients told us the dentist informed them of the action that they could take to improve their dental health. They confirmed that they felt involved in their dental treatment plan, and were provided with treatment options, which were explained to them in a way they understood. They told us that any costs of treatment were made clear to them before it commenced. Patients confirmed that they were asked for their consent prior to all treatment, and their privacy and dignity were always respected. They told us that the environment including the waiting room and dental consulting room were always very clean.
We saw there were arrangements for infection control checks and cleaning tasks to be carried out. Staff were knowledgeable regarding infection control and decontamination procedures for equipment and instruments used. Equipment had been checked and maintained by specialist contractors.
Patients were positive about the care and treatment they had received and they told us they were asked for feedback about the service. The dentist provided us with examples of improvements to the service that had been put in place as a result of comments from patients. This included improving the lay out and d'cor of the practice.
Comments from patients included: 'I am happy with the care I receive', 'My treatment is always explained to me', 'I am given treatment options', 'Appointments fit in with school and my exams' and 'It's (the premises) always clean'.