19 March 2012
During a routine inspection
When we arrived at the service we were met by a dental nurse who was working as the receptionist. A hygienist and another dental nurse were also working in the practice.
We spoke to three patients. Comments included 'amazing' 'well looked after' and 'happy with the service'. One person told us that their children described the dentist as 'brilliant' and 'fantastic'. One person described how the dentist helped a patient who was anxious about receiving treatment and had reassured them about their treatment. The person told us that the dentist 'took the stress away'.
The dentist confirmed that during appointments they checked people's gum health and facial tissues as well as their teeth. We were told that people were advised to return for check ups at a frequency based on their individual dental and oral health needs and the National Clinical Institute for Excellence (NICE) guidelines. The policy on routine check up was confirmed by patients we spoke with following our visit.
People confirmed that the dentist and nurses wore disposable gloves and aprons when providing their treatment. One of the dental nurses informed us that patients always have goggles and that the importance of wearing them was explained to people.
We asked whether a copy of the Department of Health's Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infection was available at the practice. The current dentist did not have a copy of the document or the Essential Standards of quality and safety. An undertaking was given to obtain copies of these documents.
We saw a policy dated February 2012 stating that high standards of cleanliness and hygiene were important because they 'reduce the risk of infections being transmitted to patients.' A record sheet to show that staff had read the infection control policy was signed by three members of staff and dated the day of our visit.