- Dentist
Westlands Dental Studio
Report from 9 May 2024 assessment
Contents
Judgements
Our view of the service
We carried out this announced, on-site assessment on 6 February 2025.
We found the practice had not met all regulations.
Improvements were needed to the systems for managing risks.
There was ineffective leadership. Systems did not ensure all training and recruitment protocols were consistently followed.
Patients’ care and treatment was provided in line with current guidance, and infection control procedures were in place.
Patients were treated with dignity and respect and at the time of our assessment, could access care, support and treatment when required.
Westlands Dental Studio is part of Riverdale, a dental group provider. The practice is in Lanchester in County Durham and provides private dental care and treatment for adults and children.
There was step-free access to the practice and car parking spaces were available near the practice.
The practice had 3 treatment rooms. During the assessment we spoke with 2 dentists, 2 dental nurses, 1 receptionist and the practice manager. The group’s compliance manager and area manager were also at the assessment to support the practice.
The provider was not complying with Regulation 17. Full details of the regulation the provider was not meeting are within the assessment findings below.
We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.
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 received feedback from 2 patients. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.
Comments included: “Very polite and no rush at all. Extremely professional and helpful. Would highly recommend this practice to anyone”, “Great service from the whole team, especially from some [sic] who struggles with the dentist”
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.