UK Guidance
NHS dental contracts and appraisal arrangements differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Use this guide to find the right starting point for your country.
A structured review can help a dental professional reflect on work, identify development needs and plan continuing professional development. A private appraisal does not replace an employer or NHS contract process unless the responsible organisation agrees.
01 / England
NHS England’s 2026/27 reforms provide an annual appraisal scheme for eligible dentists, dental therapists and dental hygienists, including locums. Eligible clinicians can claim £213 after an appraisal through Compass. The funded appraisal must relate to NHS work. Discuss an external appraiser and any UDA or payment arrangement with the practice or contract holder before booking.
02 / Scotland
NHS Scotland’s Personal Development Planning and Performance Review policy requires annual appraisal discussions for NHSScotland employees, including bank and sessional workers. The policy normally assigns the review to a manager or a designated colleague. The policy is not the same as the NHS England funded scheme and does not set one process for every self-employed primary-care dental contractor. Check your employment status, NHS Board arrangements and current GDS terms before booking an independent appraisal.
03 / Wales
The Welsh GDS Regulations 2026 require a contractor to ensure dental practitioners take part in an appraisal system, if the Local Health Board provides one, unless the practitioners take part in an appraisal system provided by another health service body. The England £213 scheme does not apply automatically in Wales. Before booking an independent commercial appraiser, ask your Local Health Board or contract holder whether the arrangement meets the Welsh contract requirement.
04 / Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Department of Health guidance describes employer-led appraisal for doctors and dentists, while excluding general dental practitioners from that guidance. The published guidance does not establish an annual appraisal requirement for every primary-care GDS dentist. Check your HSC employer, contract and current Department of Health or BSO guidance before arranging an external appraisal.
Guidance checked November 2026. This page gives general information, not legal advice or a decision about your individual contract. Contract terms and schemes can change. Confirm the current rules with your NHS employer, practice, contract holder or relevant NHS body before booking.
Enquiries and bookings are accepted from all four UK nations. Give your country and work arrangement in the contact form so Mikey can confirm the appraisal scope and whether the NHS arrangement fits before booking.
Ask about an appraisal