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. Read more: Care home owner ‘not sleeping’ after ‘drastic’ rating downgrade Read more: Bolton Hospice praised for 'compassion and kindness' after inspection Read more: Care home where residents are 'like a family' thrilled after i.