Overview
Dental practices in England are subject to oversight from a variety of bodies. For practices providing NHS treatment this oversight extends beyond the CQC which focuses on quality and safety, to include the NHS in its role as commissioner and contract manager. We have advice available on the role of the CQC on our national standards and regulation page.
The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) is subcontracted by NHS England to perform some of these regulatory functions that sit within commissioning and contracts. Acting on behalf of the NHS, the NHSBSA analyses and audits claims submitted by dental practices to identify potential issues with practice or claiming patterns. As part of its provider assurance function, it conducts Dental Assurance Reviews, which focus on specific areas of contract activity, including 28-day reattendance, Band 3 activity, and mid-year and year-end contract reconciliation.
An area that NHSBSA often examines is 28-day reattendances by patients. The reviews undertaken in this area examine how often the patients who attend your practice return within 28 days of receiving treatment. This can be and indicator of whether or not care has been appropriately planned and delivered.
Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) may also carry out practice visits or inspections where they believe it is necessary. While ICBs do not have an unrestricted right of entry to dental practices, contractual provisions do permit them to access premises at reasonable times in order to inspect facilities, review records, and assess your compliance with NHS obligations.
NHS contracts require practices to retain specific records and documentation. These records may also be requested and then reviewed by ICBs as part of their audit, visit, and contract management responsibilities.