NHS contracts and tendering

NHS dental contract changes in England from April 2026: Guide for practice owners

Guidance for practice owners on the NHS dental contract changes in England taking effect in April 2026, and what they mean for service delivery, activity, and remuneration.

NHS dental contract changes in England from April 2026: Guide for associates

Guidance for associates on the NHS dental contract changes in England taking effect in April 2026, and how it will impact your working environment and remuneration.

Managing NHS unscheduled care activity in England

The unscheduled care mandate in NHS dentistry in England will introduce significant changes to how urgent and unplanned care is delivered and funded from April 2026.

Managing non-attendance in dental practices providing NHS care in England

Advice on how practices should manage non-attendance under the NHS in England and how best to mitigate the impact on your business.

Terminating your NHS dental contract in England

Advice on what to do if you are considering terminating your NHS dental contract in England.

NHS dentistry in England: Contracts, charges, and payments

Guidance on how NHS dental services are commissioned and funded in England, including the structure of the General Dental Services (GDS) contract and Personal Dental Services (PDS) agreement.

Guide to NHS dental standard contract terms in England

Guidance on the key clauses of the NHS General Dental Services (GDS) Contract in England. You should always read your contract, but we have highlighted the provisions that commonly affect how practices operate and manage their contractual responsibilities.

NHS contract monitoring and clawback in England and Wales

If you hold an NHS contract, your Primary Care Organisation (PCO) will be monitoring your performance, and act on any concerns. Underperformance can lead to financial recovery – also known as clawback.

Running out of UDAs before the end of the year in England and Wales

Here are our recommendations to avoid exhausting NHS activity before the end of the year.

NHS dispute resolution in England and Wales

Advice about disputes regarding GDS contract or PDS agreement in the dental practice, the process described in the governing legislation for England and Wales.

Dental activity reviews and NHS practice inspections in England

Guidance for dental practices in England on NHS activity reviews and inspections, including the role of the NHS Business Services Authority and Integrated Care Boards in monitoring compliance and contractual delivery.

Tendering in England and Wales

This advice guides you through the commissioning and tendering process of NHS dental services in England and Wales.

Health Service dentistry in Northern Ireland

This advice provides guidance on the main regulations, terms and conditions of service for working in the HSC general dental services (GDS) in Northern Ireland.

NHS dentistry in Scotland

Guidance on the main regulations and terms and conditions of service for working in the NHS General Dental Services (GDS) in Scotland.

Applying for a Dental Vocational Training Number via equivalence in Scotland

Information for dentists who wish to apply for a Vocational Training number in Scotland on the grounds of experience and training.

Scotland: 2026 changes to prior approval process and mandatory training

Learn about the 2026 changes to Scotland’s NHS dental prior approval process and mandatory training (provisional listing) requirements.

Urgent Dental Care Incentive Scheme payments

Guidance on a practical way for practices and associates to approach the Urgent Dental Care Incentive Scheme, suggesting a fair method for distributing any additional income earned through urgent care activity.

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.

Unscheduled care mandate: What it means for you

Negotiating with your local health board in Wales

Guidance for dental practices in Wales on preparing for, approaching, and managing negotiations with local health boards.

Delisting patients under the April 2026 General Dental Services (GDS) Contract in Wales

Guidance for dental practices in Wales on the new delisting requirements under the April 2026 GDS contract, including mandatory and discretionary removal grounds, the delisting process, and reporting obligations.

Handing back an NHS contract in Wales: Key considerations for practice owners

Guidance for practice owners in Wales on the practical, financial, and contractual considerations involved in handing back an NHS contract, and the steps required to manage the process.

NHS appraisals for dental practice owners in England

Guidance for dental practice owners on NHS appraisal requirements, including responsibilities for self-employed clinicians, eligibility, funding arrangements, and record-keeping obligations.

Accepting and treating NHS dental patients

Guidance on the rules and responsibilities that apply when accepting and treating NHS dental patients, including communication, treatment planning, charging, referrals, and managing missed appointments.

Welsh NHS dental contract vignettes explained

Guidance on the Welsh Government’s vignettes, published to accompany contract reform in Wales. We have produced this advice based on the 1 April version of the vignettes and will update this when the final version is released.

How NHS GDS contracts in Wales are remunerated

Guidance on how NHS General Dental Services (GDS) contracts in Wales are remunerated under the reformed funding framework from April 2026. Although we are still hoping to receive a model contract, this is our advice on what we know so far.

NHS dental performers list in England

Guidance on the NHS dental performers list in England, including eligibility, applying to join, ongoing obligations, reviews, appeals, and leaving the list. This list is administered on behalf of NHS England by Primary Care Support England (PSCE).