STAFF at a Winchester Road-based dental practice are “beyond thrilled” following a positive health watchdog report published last Friday.

Wellum House Dental Health Centre met the Care Quality Commission criteria to be recorded as a safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led institution. 

The practice, which offers NHS and private treatment, was inspected on 5 January.

Practice manager Bethany Stiles said: “We are beyond thrilled with our CQC report. 

“Starting in April 2017 as the practice manager and having a report like this has been such an achievement.

“The results in the report are down to the continuing great work from everyone at the practice and with the help of my deputy manager Samantha Butler.

“We are all such a close hard working team and I expected nothing less from them as they always work to such a high standard to put our patients care as our main priority.” 

During the visit 55 patients gave feedback on the eight-treatment room facility which the CQC inspector said was positive in all aspects of its service.

The report said: “They told us staff were friendly, caring and efficient. 

“They said that they were given professional, helpful and brilliant explanations about dental treatment, and said their dentist listened to them. 

“Patients commented they made them feel at ease, especially when they were anxious about visiting.”

Other key findings found staff knew how to deal with emergencies with appropriate medicines and life-saving equipment available, and the practice had effective leadership where staff felt involved, supported and worked well as a team.

Inspectors did note the need to repair floor damage at the entrance of the examination room though they were told this occurred during recent renovations and would be repaired immediately. 

The visit was led by a CQC inspector supported by a specialist dental adviser, and in summary found in all five key areas of service no further action was required.