Mandatory Dental Services in Chard and Crewkerne to NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB)

NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) sought providers who had the capability and capacity to deliver Mandatory Dental Services (MDS) in Somerset area.

The procurement was divided into 2 lots and covered the following areas:

Lot 1: Chard

Lot 2: Crewkerne

The aims for MDS provision are to:

• contribute to improving oral and general health
• reduce inequalities in health and access to dental care by providing extra support to groups of vulnerable adults and children. This includes, but is not limited to, children, residents of care homes, other vulnerable groups and patients weighing up to 227kg (35 stones and 10.45 lbs)
• provide access to NHS dental services to ensure equity and consistency of provision
• improve children's oral health through partnership working with local stakeholders
• deliver appropriate, efficient and cost-effective services within the service
• provide high quality dental services within framework of the NHS (General Dental Services/Personal Dental Services) Regulations 2005 and any subsequent revisions
• provide access within contracted hours to un-associated patients identified as having an urgent dental need via NHS 111, NHS Dental Helpline, out of hours services and self-referral
• refer patients to other NHS services as appropriate in line with the relevant local protocols and guidance
• establish a positive working relationship between the Commissioner and Provider to facilitate and maximise high quality service delivery
• develop services in line with the evolving strategic approach to primary care dental provision and align with the priorities of the NHS Long Term Plan - www.longtermplan.nhs.uk and ICB Primary Care Strategy - https://oursomerset.org.uk/about-us/strategy-joint-forward-plan/
• promote overall health in line with Making Every Contact Count - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-every-contact-count-mecc-practical-resources
• keep availability of appointments up to date on https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-to-find-an-nhs-dentist/
• comply with recall intervals, in line with NICE Guidelines (CG19).

The contracts will be for a term of up to 10 years. Services were due to commence from 30th May 2025 and by 28th November 2025.

The maximum total contract values were as follows:

Lot 1: £8,925,000

Lot 2: £5,425,000

The Commissioner will be contracting for the services using the Standard clauses for a Personal Dental Services agreement.

Lot 1 award notices have previously been issued (www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/034294-2025). This notice serves as an intention to award a contract for Lot 2 under the competitive process of the Provider Selection Regime (PSR), Service commencement for Lot 2 has been delayed due to the seeking of assurances through a preferred bidder period.

This procurement was being carried out by NHS South, Central & West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.