What Is a UDA Recovery Strategy?
A UDA Recovery Strategy is a focused plan to close the gap between current UDA delivery and NHS contract targets before the end of the financial year (typically 31 March).
It includes:
- Reviewing delivery-to-date
- Forecasting remaining production
- Assigning catch-up targets by associate
- Leveraging chair time more efficiently
- Adjusting appointment types to maximise UDAs/day
NHS clawback is avoidable —
but only if you track and act before Q4.
Why a UDA Recovery Strategy Matters for Dental Practice Owners
Without a recovery strategy, you risk:
- Large clawback invoices that damage year-end profit
- Associate pay disputes if overpaid vs performance
- Compliance issues with NHS England (especially <96%)
- Panic-booking low-value treatments that don’t help margins
Example:
| Target | 6,000 UDAs
| Delivered | 3,600 by 31 Dec
| Remaining | 2,400 in 3 months
→ Recovery Plan = 200 UDAs/week x 3 associates = feasible if tracked and focused
DentPulse shows who needs to do what — by day, chair, and associate.
Key Components of a UDA Recovery Strategy
| Component | Best Practice |
| Gap Analysis | Run by 31 December to assess shortfall |
| Associate UDA Targets | Recalculate weekly goals based on working days |
| High-UDA Appointments | Prioritise Band 2 & 3 over multiple Band 1s |
| Chair Utilisation Map | Fill gaps with treatment-ready patients |
| Incentivisation | Introduce bonus or clawback-sharing if needed |
How DentPulse Supports UDA Recovery Strategy
| Feature | Function |
| UDA Gap Report | Calculates shortfall and remaining delivery rate needed |
| Associate-Level Tracker | Assigns custom recovery targets per provider |
| Chair Availability Sync | Matches treatment plans to unused time slots |
| PPP™ Overlay | Shows how recovery protects take-home earnings |
| Clawback Risk Dashboard | Live forecast of NHS income at risk |
DentPulse helps you take control of the NHS contract — before it controls you.
DentPulse Tip™
You can’t fix clawback in February.
But you can beat it in October, November, or December.
Early tracking = recovery. Late realisation = loss.
Related Glossary Terms
- UDA (Unit of Dental Activity) – The output unit used in NHS contracts
- UDA Clawback Calculator – Predicts loss if under-delivery occurs
- Associate UDA Performance – Key input for recovery planning
- Chair Utilisation – Reveals capacity for UDA-focused appointments
- PTP™ – Profit-to-Pocket– Tracks how recovery affects owner pay
Glossary Summary Table
| Term | Meaning |
| UDA Recovery Strategy | A tactical plan to catch up on NHS UDA delivery and avoid clawback |
| Purpose | Protect income, profitability, and contract integrity |
| Financial Impact | Prevents NHS clawback, maintains cash flow, supports fair associate pay |
| DentPulse Advantage | Real-time tracking, daily targets, associate-specific action plans |
