A dental practice where patients are treated with 'dignity and respect' has received a glowing report from patients.

Horwich Dental Practice on Winter Hey Lane was visited by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on June 4 this year. 

While the health watchdog  is able to rate certain services, the CQC does not have the legal power to do so for others, such as dentists.

For such services, the inspectorate rates services as 'regulations met' or 'not all regulations met' for five main criteria, 'safe', 'effective', 'caring', 'responsive' and 'well-led'. 

'Regulations met' means it has found no breaches of regulations and is not demanding change from service providers, while 'not all regulations met' means at least one regulation was breached. 

Horwich Dental Practice was viewed as having met regulations for all five criteria. 

The report says: "We found the practice had met regulations. The practice had systems to manage risks. Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation. Infection control procedures followed published guidance.

"Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance. Patients were treated with dignity and respect. At the time of our assessment, patients could access care, support and treatment when required. 

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"There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement." 

It adds: "Two weeks before our inspection, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. Thirty nine comments were received. 100 per cent of views expressed by patients were positive. 

"Comments included: Friendly & efficient by all staff members. Makes me feel at ease at each visit. I can always get an urgent appointment if needed, great service, accommodated change of appointments very easily.

"Helpful when an emergency appointment was needed and very pleased with the service and support I received, staff are always efficient, friendly and professional.

"The practice shared patient feedback with the team. We were told this was reviewed and where suggestions had been made, appropriate action would be taken.

"Staff gathered feedback from patients, the public and external partners and demonstrated a commitment to acting on feedback. Patients commented positively about the standards of cleanliness."