22 March 2012
During a routine inspection
People we spoke with said the dental practice always looked clean and they were satisfied with the standards of cleanliness. They told us they saw staff washing their hands and using disposable gloves. People were always provided with glasses to protect their eyes and aprons when receiving treatment. One person told us, 'It's always spotlessly clean.'
We asked people about the availability of appointments and if they had to wait over their appointment time to be seen. People told us, 'I can always get an appointment to suit me and I am always seen within five minutes of arrival' and 'I don't think I've ever been kept waiting in all the years I've been coming here.'
We asked about receiving treatment as an emergency. The manager told us that one of the dentists held a slot for emergency appointments, but they allowed people to come in whenever they needed, on the understanding that they had to wait.
Several people made a point of commenting that the team was polite and friendly. One person told us,' The reception staff are very efficient and friendly,'
We saw that there was a range of information available to people attending the practice about the services provided and the costs. Useful information on maintaining good dental health and general wellbeing was available within the waiting area.