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Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag guidance for dental practices

Information for dental practices providing NHS care in England on how to comply with the reasonable adjustment requirements by 30 September 2026.

Contents

  • Overview
  • What is the Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag
  • What dental practices need to know
  • What dental practices need to do

Overview

The Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag is a national information standard that NHS England has introduced to ensure that people who need reasonable adjustments receive safe, appropriate, and equitable care. Under Information Standards Notice DAPB4019: Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag - NHS England Digital, all publicly funded health and social care providers in England must be able to record, view, and share a patient’s reasonable adjustment needs through a consistent mechanism.

By 30 September 2026, dental practices in receipt of NHS funds must be compliant. The standard is intended to operate through the National Care Records Service (NCRS). However, NHS England has indicated that most dental practices will not have NCRS access at this stage. Due to this, practices should begin preparing and collecting the relevant information now. To do this you will need to ensure your staff have appropriate training on the new system, know how to identify reasonable adjustment needs, that your software will support the changes, and that your documents are up to date. Early action will help you meet the deadline, improve patient experience, and reduce any risks.