Abbey Meads Dental Practice - Swindon

We saw evidence to show that the infection control and cross contamination policy had been updated to reflect the current guidance. We also saw found that staff had refreshed their infection control training in June 2013. The provider was also able to demonstrate that they completed a regular infection control audit.

We found that there was an effective recruitment policy in place which directed the provider to ensure that references were checked and appropriate staff underwent an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check.

Care and treatment was planned and delivered in a way that was intended to ensure people's safety and welfare. One person told us that 'I was very scarred by my previous experience with a dentist but I'm really pleased with the way they look after me'.

Staff we talked with did have a clear understanding of what constituted abuse and how they would react to concerns regarding any safeguarding issue.

The practice infection control policy was out of date and did not comply with Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices (HTM01-05).

We found that the service did not have effective recruitment and selection processes in place. The lack of appropriate recruitment checks meant that people could not be assured of the safety and suitability of staff appointed to work in the practice.

There was an effective complaints system available.