17 June 2014
During a routine inspection
The patients we met during our inspection spoke positively about the service and the staff; they told us; 'The staff are helpful, kind and efficient;' and how their dentist was; 'A pain free dentist. Brilliant!.' One patient told us; 'The dentist has been excellent in providing treatment whilst I've been unwell.'
We saw information for patients about the service; the cost of treatment through the NHS and privately and about oral health was provided in the reception and waiting areas of the practice. Information for patients was also available on the providers' website. Patients told us they were involved in all aspects of their treatment and knew the cost of treatment they received.
Treatment was provided following a full mouth assessment and discussions with the patient. The choices available to the patient were explained, recorded and a treatment plan was signed to show patients agreed to the treatment planned. The patients we spoke with told us they were happy with the treatment provided and experienced no unnecessary pain.
The surgery appeared clean and tidy. One patient told us, 'I've always found it clean and tidy here and the updated decoration and refurbishment make it even better'; whilst another said, 'The staff always wear protective clothes like masks and gloves when they treat me.' There were practices in place to ensure the surgery area was cleaned between patients as well as at the end of each day. Dental equipment was cleaned in a way which demonstrated compliance with current Department of Health guidelines.
Recruitment was carried out in a way which ensured staff were suitably knowledgeable and experienced to fulfil their role. All clinical staff were registered with the General Dental Council. All staff had received basic skills training during their induction period which included first aid and awareness in hygiene and infection control.
The practice had a dual patient record system which currently included paper recording and computer based records with all patient notes now being made on the computer based record system. The records we looked at were accurate and fit for purpose. Records relating to the running of the practice were up to date and routinely updated.