Member Article

North East dentist reassures patients

A LEADING North East dentist wants to reassure his patients that he is still in business, following the release of a newsletter sent out by his former practice.

Top dentist Richard Coates left Sunderland’s Wessington Way Practice Ltd earlier this year, after it was due to close after being the subject of a Compulsory Purchase Order.

Mr Coates has now joined the multi-award winning Riveredge Cosmetic Dentistry, which has surgeries in both Sunderland and Newcastle, where he is now carrying out general dentistry.

But he has spoken out after a newsletter was distributed to thousands of patients by Wessington Way Dental Practice, claiming that he was now working at a “specialist cosmetic referral practice.”

“The comments in the newsletter make it appear as if Riveredge only carry out cosmetic work and then only if patients have been specifically referred,” said Mr Coates.

“This is absolutely not the case. Although Riveredge has an international reputation for the excellence of its cosmetic dentistry, it is very much a practice which has always offered the highest standards of general dentistry as well.

“I’m delighted that many of my former patients have already decided to come and see me here, but it’s also important that anyone else who wants to continue to be treated by me isn’t misled by the wording in the newsletter.”

Dr Ken Harris, who runs Riveredge Cosmetic Dentistry, said Richard was a huge asset to the existing team at the practice.

“We are certainly NOT a specialist referral practice,” said Dr Harris.

“Patients come to us directly for both general and cosmetic dentistry and while we are hugely experienced in both areas there is absolutely no need for anyone to have a referral.

“We look forward to welcoming more of Richard’s former patients to see us at Riveredge, where they can expect business as usual.”

Dr Harris is one of the country’s most qualified cosmetic dentists. He is one of only two Fellows of the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (BACD) which involves him teaching other dentists around the UK. He is a full member of the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (BAAD, and regularly teaches USA dentists at the world-renowned Kois Center programme across in Seattle.

Over the years Dr Harris has become recognised globally for his skills and now teaches dentists throughout Europe and worldwide.

He regularly travels across to North America and Canada, delivering lectures on aesthetic dentistry to practitioners in New York, Vancouver, San Francisco, Orange County, Fresno and San Diego in his role as the Clinical Director for California Center (sic) for Advanced Dental Studies.

For further information or to contact the practice visit www.riveredge.co.uk or call 0191 567 1020.

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