Overview
The Statement of Dental Remuneration (SDR) sets out the full framework for payments relating to Health and Social Care (HSC) dentistry in Northern Ireland. It includes over 450 item‑of‑service fees for specific treatments, alongside a range of non‑fee payments and allowances available in defined circumstances. Dentists must comply strictly with the SDR when charging patients and submitting claims. Our page on dentists' pay in Northern Ireland outlines the latest Statement of Dental Remuneration (SDR) and how it impacts your earnings.
Patients may only be charged the statutory fees listed in the SDR. Charges for missed or broken appointments are permitted only where patients have been warned in advance. Deposits may be requested, but these must generally be refunded if the patient does not attend, unless it was clearly communicated beforehand that non-attendance would result in a charge.
Claims for treatment provided must be submitted to the Business Services Organisation (BSO) using form HS45, normally within six months of completing treatment. Claims should be completed before the patient signs and can be submitted electronically via the BSO portal. Rejected claims must be addressed promptly, and any requested clinical records provided within the required timescales. Claims for unprovided treatment or duplicate claims are prohibited and may result in serious consequences, including allegations of fraud.
Certain treatments require prior approval from the BSO where costs exceed set limits or complexity thresholds. Replacement appliances lost or broken by patients can be charged at the standard rate, with a right of appeal where hardship or lack of responsibility is argued.
In addition to treatment fees, the SDR provides for various non‑fee payments, including seniority payments, foundation training allowances, parental leave payments, long-term sickness payments, CPD allowances, non‑domestic rates reimbursement, clinical audit payments, and practice allowances. Eligibility criteria and payment levels vary and are set out in the relevant Determinations within the SDR.
Understanding the SDR is essential to ensuring accurate claiming, and fair charging within an HSC dental practice.
