Orthodontic Procurement: “for many, not bidding may be better option”

Despite winning several concessions, including on UOA pricing, the BDA has expressed grave doubts about the outcomes:

The price banding for which tenders will have to be submitted is £54.89 to £58.89 - compared to current average value of £64. In the first two years, 100 per cent of contract value is not paid to any new bidders even though target UOAs must still be delivered. Following discussion with NHS England in February the lowest level of UOAs allowed in the tender has been raised from £51.89 to £54.89 - but we still do not feel this recognises the true cost of orthodontic care;

bidders deemed to be at high financial risk will be excluded from the process but given the relatively low UOA values on offer, and practices will be at greater financial risk because expenses may not be covered;

practices must have a least one dentist on the GDC specialist register which will exclude many current providers. Care and treatment must be personally supervised by the specialist;