- Dentist
Alpha Dental Care Jesmond
Report from 18 September 2024 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
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.
People's experience of this service
Two weeks before our visit, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We did not receive any direct patient feedback. During our assessment, we saw patient feedback from patients which had been gathered and analysed by the practice. The feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. Patients commented positively about the standards of care and treatment they received. They were able to book appointments when needed. Patients said they had confidence in the dental team. Patients commented that they felt they were treated with respect and dignity. We reviewed online patient feedback from the last 2 months. Patients expressed high levels of satisfaction with the treatment they received. Comments included: “Everyone is friendly and professional”, “The dentist was very kind and talked me though my treatment”, “Dentist was fantastic with us and the children”, “Friendly, professional staff. Excellent service. Appointments available” and “Friendly staff”. 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.