Alverna House Dental Practice

Updated 3 June 2025

We carried out this announced on-site inspection on 12 January 2026.

We found the practice had met regulations.

The practice had effective systems to identify and manage risks, including infection prevention and control.

Staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles.

Recruitment procedures reflected current legislation and there was effective leadership and a culture of continuous improvement.

Staff provided care and treatment in line with current guidance. They treated patients with dignity and respect and ensured access to care, support, and treatment when required.

Alverna House Dental Practice is in St Helens, Merseyside 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 available, including dedicated parking for disabled people, near the practice.

The practice had 5 treatment rooms. At the time of our inspection, there was a total of 17 staff, of which there were 5 dentists, 7 dental nurses, of which 2 were trainees, 2 dental therapists, a deputy practice manager and 2 CQC registered managers. We gathered feedback from staff and spoke to a range of staff during our inspection, including 1 dentist, 2 dental nurses, a dental therapist, the practice manager and CQC registered manager.

Updated 3 June 2025

Two weeks before our inspection, we asked the practice to encourage patients to share their views of the service with us. On the day of our inspection, we reviewed patient feedback from several sources. For example, on-line feedback, feedback submitted directly to the practice for the NHS Friends and Family Test, and in surveys done by the practice. Patient feedback provided a positive view of the dental team and care provided by the practice.

Patients commented positively about the service they received from all staff. Feedback indicated that all staff were friendly, approachable and were understanding when patients were in pain and needed to be seen at short notice.

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 commented that they were supported and encouraged by staff to maintain their oral health and were provided with appropriate information and resources.

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.