Linden Cottage Dental Practice

Updated 30 April 2024

We carried out this on-site announced assessment on 30 May 2024. 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. There was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. Linden Cottage Dental Practice is part of Riverdale Health Care a dental group provider. The practice is in Ashington and provides NHS and private dental care and treatment for adults and children. The practice also provides NHS orthodontic treatment. At the time of our assessment, the dental team included 4 dentists, 1 domiciliary care dentist, 1 specialist orthodontist, 5 qualified dental nurses, 2 trainee dental nurses, 1 dental hygienist, 1 dental therapist, 1 orthodontic therapist, 2 receptionists and 1 practice manager. The practice had 4 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 2 receptionists and the practice manager.

Updated 30 April 2024

On the day of assessment, we saw patient feedback from 9 patients. They all commented that staff were professional, courteous and helpful. All patients would recommend the surgery to family or a friend. Two weeks before our assessment, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. On the day of assessment, we spoke with 1 patient. Their responses and additional patient feedback we reviewed provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice. 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. The provider gathered feedback from staff through meetings, surveys, and informal discussions. Staff were encouraged to offer suggestions for improvements to the service and said these were listened to and acted on where appropriate. 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.