Key Updates from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) – Dental Services (2025)
1. “Orthodontic providers to submit PAR scores by Tuesday 30 September 2025”
Date published: 31 July 2025 NHSBSA+2NHSBSA+2
What it says:
Providers whose orthodontic contracts commenced from April 2019 onwards must submit Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) scores via the Compass system twice yearly:
- 10 claims from 1 April to end-September
- 10 claims from 1 October to end-March NHSBSA
The current submission window closes at 11:59pm on Tuesday 30 September 2025. NHSBSA
Implications: - For orthodontic service providers, this is a regulatory requirement you cannot overlook — non-submission may result in issues with contract compliance.
- It places emphasis on timely data preparation, case selection, and coordination with calibrated examiners.
Practical actions: - Ensure your team identifies eligible claims well ahead of the deadline.
- Use the guidance on the NHSBSA website to understand how to create and submit PAR scores. NHSBSA
- If you have fewer than 10 eligible claims in the window, contact the NHSBSA at nhsbsa.dentalservices@nhsbsa.nhs.uk to pre-empt error messages. NHSBSA
Strategic relevance:
As director, this underscores the continuing importance of performance metrics and contractual compliance in dental service delivery. Having robust systems in place for monitoring and reporting supports operational resilience.
2. “Submit your written complaints data (KO41b) – 2025”
Date published: 21 May 2025 NHSBSA+1
What it says:
This year’s data collection for the KO41b form opens on Wednesday 18 June 2025 and covers complaints made by, or on behalf of, patients between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. The submission deadline is 11:59pm on Wednesday 13 August 2025. NHSBSA
The KO41b return is a statutory and contractual requirement for primary-care dental providers, enabling the NHS to track service-wide complaints, identify trends and evidence responsiveness to patient feedback. NHSBSA
Implications:
- For all dental practices delivering NHS care, failing to submit in time may raise compliance risks and could affect reputational or contractual standing.
- The focus on complaints data reflects growing regulatory emphasis on transparency, accountability and continuous improvement.
Practical actions: - Schedule the KO41b collection in your calendar now (open from 18 June to 13 Aug).
- Prepare your internal complaints data for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.
- Ensure correct online submission (guidance notes available via NHS England) and internal controls.
Strategic relevance:
This highlights how patient-feedback metrics are increasingly integrated into commissioning and contract oversight. For a director-led practice, embedding robust complaint-handling processes is a business-wise decision.
3. “Business rate reimbursement 2025/26”
Date published: 2 April 2025 NHSBSA+1
What it says:
Dental providers may apply for reimbursement of their 2025/26 business rates if they meet qualifying conditions. NHSBSA
Key points:
- Providers should check the property classification with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) — e.g., whether the premises are correctly classified as ‘surgery’. NHSBSA
- Applications must be made within three months of the first business-rates payment being due. NHSBSA
- Application is done via the Compass system. If unable to apply online, email nhsbsa.dentalservices@nhsbsa.nhs.uk for a form. NHSBSA
Implications: - Financially relevant — reimbursement can reduce overheads, improving the cost base for the practice.
- Classification errors (e.g., incorrect property type) could delay or jeopardise reimbursement.
Practical actions: - Review your premises’ VOA classification now and, if needed, engage to correct it.
- Confirm the date of your first business-rates payment for 2025/26 and calculate your submission deadline.
- Log into Compass and prepare to apply within the timeframe.
Strategic relevance:
From a corporate governance standpoint, ensuring you leverage all eligible reimbursements is a smart cost-management move. It also signals to commissioners and stakeholders the practice is financially prudent and compliant.