Local Dental Networks are concerned with the whole dental pathway. Commissioning all primary, secondary and community dental services presents an opportunity for LDNs to integrate dental care pathways.

Dentists and other dental care professionals across the NHS can work together to make sure care best meets the needs of patients, by placing services in the most appropriate setting and linking workforce development and dental commissioning strategies.

Dental LDNs will support practices in making sure day-to-day care is both clinically appropriate and delivers the best for patients.

NHS England, through their dental networks, will work with local authorities and Public Health England to develop and deliver oral health improvement and associated commissioning plans specific to the needs of local populations.

South West Region Funded Peer Review Pilot 2022/23

We are pleased to launch a funded peer review pilot for dental care professionals working in the NHS in the South West Region.

NHS England South West is using the framework of the national toolkit recent developed and has adapted some of the details for use in the South West region only.  This includes offering funding of £1,000 per peer review group as an incentive to launch the initiative in the region.  Funding would be available to approved and established peer review groups, payable on completion of two documented meetings by the end of March 2023.

Expressions of interest are invited from any GDC registered staff providing NHS dental services in the South West to establish, facilitate and lead their own Peer Review Group.

Please complete the Peer Review Group Application Form (PR1) and return to: England.swdental@nhs.net by 10th February 2023.

NHS England South West will review the application and aim to confirm approval within 2 weeks.

Detailed guidance is available below, along with the application form.  There are a suite of templates you would be required to use which can be shared in advance.  Please contact us if you would like to see them.

• South West Peer Review Pilot
• Peer Review Group Application Form (PR1)

If you have any questions or queries, please contact Sarah McFarlane for further information via: england.swdental@nhs.net or tel: 07900 220697.