Overview
NHS appraisals are a contractual requirement for clinicians delivering NHS dental services and are supported by a specific funded contribution within the dental contract. The intention is to involve all dental professionals in a process that contributes towards high-quality care. In doing so, appraisals will become an integral part of professional practice.
Participation in appraisal is required under Regulation 30 of the General Dental Services contract and aligns with CQC expectations around staffing, competence, and governance. Practice owners must ensure all those delivering services under the contract have the skills, knowledge, and experience to deliver effective care and treatment under the contract and take part in appraisal. and experience to deliver effective care and treatment under the contract and take part in appraisal.
To support consistent uptake, eligible clinicians can self-declare an annual appraisal and trigger a fixed financial contribution which is converted into Units of Dental Activity (UDAs) at the practice’s nominal UDA value. As this funding forms part of the overall contract value, practices and associates must account for it through their agreed contractual arrangements.
Appraisals must relate only to NHS work, be properly documented, and be capable of verification if requested by commissioners. They should focus on professional development, service quality, and the practical factors that enable safe and effective NHS care.
When carried out correctly, appraisals can support both clinicians and practice owners to meet contractual obligations, help practices evidence team competence, and strengthen professional working relationships within the practice.
Our advice guides you through the appraisal process, including the practical nuances that arise where the practice does not personally undertake the appraisal. It is supported by an appraisal template, which is specifically designed to reflect the commercial relationship between self‑employed clinicians and the dental practice.