We spoke with four patients who had appointments with the dentist during our inspection. We also spoke with four patients, who agreed to speak with us by telephone after our visit. They had been to the practice a few days before for treatment. They all told us that they were satisfied with the service provided. One patient told us, "I am very pleased with the treatment I have received. I would certainly recommend this practice. They make you feel at ease. I think the practice is excellent!" Another patient said, "This practice is excellent. I would give it ten out of ten!'Patients we spoke with told us they were given enough information about their treatment options and, where appropriate, relevant fees. They told us had also been given time to consider the options before agreeing to treatment. They told us they were able to ask all the questions they needed. They also said the staff were friendly and welcoming. They informed us they were treated with respect and their privacy was maintained when they received treatment.
We also gathered evidence of patients' experiences by looking at a selection of records and talking with reception staff. Records we looked at included patient notes, treatment plans and consent forms. We found that patients' dental care needs were being managed safely.
However, not all records that related to the management of the practice were available. They included policies and procedures, including those with regard to safeguarding vulnerable people and infection control, staff training and appraisal records.
Practice staff we spoke with were unable to tell us what they would do if they believed a patient had been abused. They were unable to confirm they had received training in identifying and reporting possible abuse.