Alpha Dental Care Prettygate

Updated 18 October 2024

We carried out this on-site, announced assessment on 1 November 2024. We found the practice had met regulations. Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation and there was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. 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 Prettygate is part of Riverdale, a dental group provider. The practice is in Prettygate, Colchester and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. There was step free access to the practice and car parking spaces, including dedicated parking for disabled people near the practice. There were bus transport links close to the practice. The practice had 5 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses / receptionists, and the practice manager. We also spoke with the practice manager from a nearby practice and one of the organisation’s area managers.

Updated 18 October 2024

Two weeks before our visit, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. We received feedback from 19 patients. 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. 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. During our assessment, we saw patient feedback from patients (NHS Friends and Family Test) 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 said that they would recommend the practice to family and friends. We reviewed online patient feedback. Patients expressed high levels of satisfaction with the overall service they received. Comments included: ‘Very welcoming reception staff, ‘The practice is clean and organised, ‘The team go above and beyond’, and ‘Excellent staff and great dentists’. The practice shared patient feedback with the team and used this to make changes to help improve patients’ experiences.