NHS fees are reviewed annually by the independent Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB). The DDRB’s recommendations are considered by the Scottish Government and may be accepted in part.
The Statement of Dental Remuneration (SDR) lists the item of service payments for the treatment you provide under the NHS, and the non-fee payments (NHS allowances) that are available in certain circumstances.
Managing NHS patient attendance, charges, and claims can be complex, particularly given the detailed requirements set out in the SDR and the Terms of Service. Practices must balance compliance with these rules alongside delivering patient-centred care and maintaining efficient day-to-day operations.
Our advice helps practices understand their obligations in relation to NHS charges, claiming processes, and the application of Determination I. This includes advice on appropriate charging, completing claims correctly and within required timescales, and avoiding common pitfalls that may lead to rejected or disputed claims.
We also offer support on managing patient attendance, including developing clear and compliant policies on appointments where patients did not attend (DNA), applying charges appropriately, and handling repeat non-attendance. Our guidance helps practices take a consistent and fair approach, while reducing the risk of complaints or contractual issues.
Where deregistration may be necessary, we outline the correct procedures, including when to provide notice and when it may be appropriate to seek Health Board (HB) approval for termination without notice. We also highlight the importance of clear communication with patients and the need to consider safeguarding concerns where non-attendance may indicate underlying vulnerabilities.
We also provide guidance on how NHS payments and allowances can be apportioned between practice owners and associates. While many payments are made to the contractor, they may relate to the work or contribution of an individual associate. Our advice helps clarify how these sums might fairly be shared, taking into account the purpose of the payment and the contractual arrangements in place.