- Dentist
Alpha Dental Care Mersea Road
Report from 10 January 2025 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced off-site assessment on 12 March 2025.
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
Infection control procedures in place were effective.
The practice had effective systems to identify and manage risks.
Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation and there was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.
Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance.
Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our assessment, could access care, support and treatment when required.
Alpha Dental Care – Mersea Road is part of Riverdale, a dental group provider. The practice is in Prettygate, a village in Colchester, Essex and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
The practice did not have step free access to the treatment rooms. Patients who have difficulties with mobility, and wheelchair users could be treated at Alpha Dental Care – Prettygate, located a short distance from this practice.
The practice had 2 treatment rooms. At the time of our assessment, there was a total of 8 staff, of which there was 1 dentist, 4 dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 1 receptionist and the practice manager. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our assessment, including the dentist, 1 dental nurse, and the practice manager. We also spoke with one of the organisation’s regional managers and the compliance manager.
People's experience of this service
Two weeks before our on-site assessment, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We did not receive any direct feedback. On the day of our assessment, we saw patient feedback from patients gathered by the practice. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Patients felt able to book appointments within an acceptable timescale for their needs and said they had enough time during their appointment without feeling rushed.
Patients told us they were given clear information to help them make an informed choice about their treatment and any associated costs. They were involved in decisions about their care.
Patients told us that when they were prescribed medicines, sufficient information was given.
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.