Advice on the business of UK dentistry

In this section

Business management

Whether NHS, mixed or private, dental business management requires knowledge of legal and regulatory tasks required of owners and managers.

Data and privacy

If you hold personal information, you must be able to explain what information you have, why you have it, what you do with it and who you share it with.

HR

Regardless of its size, every practice requires an effective HR function to manage its workforce, policies and compliance with employment law.

National standards and regulation

Get information on registration, requirements and inspections to comply with national quality standards

NHS contracts and tendering

The way NHS contracts are won and administered is different across the UK's nations. Find out how it works where you are.

Private practice

Offering patients private treatments, either exclusively or alongside NHS work, can offer professional and financial rewards.

Setting and collecting fees

Ensuring the prompt collection of fees is crucial to maintaining cash flow and keeping your business operational, and patients need clarity about the fees they need to pay and when.

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New practice start up

This introductory guide provides some ideas to help you establish an entirely new practice and is structured according to the stages that you will go through.

Planning permission

If you are building new dental practice premises, or altering or extending existing premise, you are likely to need planning permission.

Protecting personal information

Advice on the personal data protection requirements in the dental practice, and how to comply with The General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR).

GDPR

This advice summarises the changes and additional requirements introduced by the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR).

Managing performance and appraisals

A motivated and enthusiastic team will benefit the practice. Performance management involves making sure team members contribute to the overall performance of the practice. It incorporates the continuous development of individuals and teams and managing behaviour to ensure that people behave in a way that fosters better working relationships.

Disciplinary procedures and dismissal

Advice on appropriate and fair procedures for handling disciplinary situations in the dental practice, including the formal written disciplinary procedure.

Employment contracts, practice sales and TUPE

This advice describes the implications of the TUPE regulations when a practice is sold and purchased, including the rights of existing staff.

Title 'Dr'

This advice serves as a guide on the use of the title 'Dr' in dentistry.

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.

NHS GDS guide to standard contract - England and Wales

This advice is about NHS standard GDS contracts and PDS agreements used by Primary care organisations (PCOs) in the dental practice in England and Wales.

NHS BSA dental activity review

Advice about NHS Business Services Authority (BSA) reviews, including 28-day reattendance, Band 3 activity and mid-year / year-end contract reconciliation.

NHS dentistry in England and Wales

This advice provides a general guide to General Dental Services (GDS) and Personal Dental Services (PDS) in England and Wales and an overview of the contracting arrangements for dentists providing NHS dental services.

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The business of dentistry