Responsibility for commissioning dental services was delegated to integrated care boards (ICBs) in April 2023.62 Within the national dental contractual framework, ICBs have some flexibilities that NHSE says should help them to tailor services to meet specific population needs.63 This includes the ability to commission additional services, and to support practices that receive lower payments for each UDA they deliver. The NAO’s report outlines how some ICBs have used these flexibilities, for e...

Responsibility for commissioning dental services was delegated to integrated care boards (ICBs) in April 2023.62 Within the national dental contractual framework, ICBs have some flexibilities that NHSE says should help them to tailor services to meet specific population needs.63 This includes the ability to commission additional services, and to support practices that receive lower payments for each UDA they deliver. The NAO’s report outlines how some ICBs have used these flexibilities, for example through raising the minimum UDA value in their area to £30 (rather than the national minimum of £28), or through initiatives such as Greater Manch Type: conclusion | Number: 22 | Response status: partially_accepted Government response: 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented: April 2025 4.2 Whilst NHSE sought to engage ICBs and regional colleagues in the development of the Dental Recovery Plan (DRP) NHSE acknowledge that there is more to do