NHS and commissioning

The responsibility for commissioning local NHS dental services in England and Wales rests with commissioning authorities (local area teams in England and health boards in Wales). Commissioning authorities hold the budget and have powers to contract for the provision of dental services according to the needs of their local populations. When they wish to commission services, commissioning authorities will advertise an invitation for prospective bidders to express an interest in bidding for the available activity.

The timescales involved often last for many months and the process can be arduous. Weeks of frantic activity alternate with weeks of waiting to hear the outcome of each stage, and you have no guarantee of success. Generally, you will need to convince the commissioning team that you are capable of delivering value for money, high-quality services from within a business-focused environment.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have collated advice on the financial impact and the mitigation measures being introduced. and we answer your frequently asked questions on NHS England contracts and abatement.

NHS England confirms quarter four targets

NHS England has decided to press ahead with a target that we believe will threaten practice viability and undermine patient care.

We have been very clear: these are the wrong targets at the wrong time and NHS England should have given practices detailed guidance on this issue in good time, rather than with a few working days left before the start of the quarter. In the absence of that clear guidance, we have moved to help advise the profession and provide resources for our members:

• FAQ on quarter four targets: Our topline summary of what this means for dentists is free to access
• Advice - NHS England quarter four targets advice : Download our comprehensive advice for members
  

• Q4 side agreement contract for Associates - We have created two side agreements for Associates in England in relation to the Q4 targets.
  

  
  Version 1 is for Associates who are being paid at a lower rate - with a possible uplift if the practice hits its target.
  

• Side agreement Version 1: Associate paid at a lower rate with possible uplift
  

• Side agreement Version 1 (orthodontics): Associate paid at a lower rate with possible uplift
  

Version 2 is for Associates who are being paid at a higher rate  - with a possible clawback if the practice does not hit its target. 


• Side agreement Version 2: Associate paid at a higher rate with possible clawback
  

• Side agreement Version 2 (orthodontics): Associate paid at a higher rate with possible clawback
  

• Advice - Associate side agreement for England, fourth quarter 2020/21 : Download our draft side agreement for members
  
• Advice - Associate side agreement (orthodontics) for England, fourth quarter 2020/21 : Download our draft side agreement for members
  
• Webinar: NHS England quarter four targets : Members can login to view our webinar on quarter four targets on-demand
• Blog - What you need to know: GDPC Chair, Dave Cottam outlines five things you need to know about the UDA targets