The Care Quality Commission
  • Dentist
  • Dentist

Alpha Dental Care Jesmond

44 Acorn Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE2 2DJ (0191) 281 4444

Provided and run by:
Perfect Smile (Acorn Dental) Partnership

Important: The provider of this service changed - see old profile

All Inspections

During an assessment under our new approach

We carried out this off-site, announced assessment on 2 October 2024. Where we carry out an offsite assessment, we undertake a detailed review of the practice risk assessments, policies, staff records and other relevant documents. We gather feedback from patients, staff and stakeholders (where relevant). We carry out a remote visual assessment of the premises and have discussions with staff. We found the practice had met regulations. There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. Some improvements should be made to the oversight of the recruitment procedures to ensure they are adhered to consistently. Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our assessment, could access care, support and treatment when required. Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance and infection control procedures were in place. The practice had systems to manage risks. Alpha Dental Care Jesmond is part of Riverdale, a dental group provider. The practice is in Newcastle upon Tyne in Tyne and Wear and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice does not have step-free access and is not accessible for people who use wheelchairs; however, patients who require accessible services are directed to other local practices. The practice is located near local transport routes, and car parking spaces are available nearby. The practice had 3 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 3 dentists, 6 dental nurses (including 3 trainees), 1 dental therapist, 1 receptionist and the practice manager.

17 December 2015

During a routine inspection

We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection on 17 December 2015 to ask the practice the following key questions; Are services safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led?

Our findings were:

Are services safe?

We found that this practice was providing safe care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services effective?

We found that this practice was providing effective care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services caring?

We found that this practice was providing caring services in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services responsive?

We found that this practice was providing responsive care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Are services well-led?

We found that this practice was providing well-led care in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Background

The practice is owned by Perfect Smile (Acorn Dental) Partnership.

The practice offers primary care dentistry under the NHS and private treatments and procedures. The practice is located on the upper floors of the building. It has three surgeries, a decontamination room and a combined reception and waiting room area.

The practice is open Monday 9am to 7:00pm, Tuesday to Fridays 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 9:00am to 1pm.

There are five dentists, five dental nurses (who also undertake receptionist duties), two hygienist and a practice manager.

The Partnership is the registered provider for the practice. Registered providers have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the practice is run.

We spoke with three dentists,five dental nurses and the practice manager. We received feedback from patients about the service via 37 Care Quality Commission comment cards. All the comments were positive about the staff and the services provided. Comments included: excellent service and patient centred care,very professional, friendly and efficient staff.

Our key findings were:

• There was an effective complaints system.

• Staff had received safeguarding training, knew how to recognise signs of abuse and how to report it.

• There were sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff to meet the needs of patients.

• Staff had been trained to manage medical emergencies.

• Infection control procedures were in accordance with the published guidelines.

• Patient care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with evidence based guidelines and current regulations.

• Patients received clear explanations about their proposed treatment, costs, benefits and risks and were involved in making decisions about it.

• Patients were treated with dignity and respect and confidentiality was maintained.

• Patients could access routine treatment and urgent care when required.

• The practice was well-led, staff felt involved and supported and worked well as a team.

• The governance systems were effective.

• The practice sought feedback from staff and patients about the services they provided.