What Is the NHS Performer List in Dentistry?
The NHS Performer List is the official register of dentists who are approved to deliver NHS dental services in England and Wales.
Every associate or principal dentist who provides NHS treatments must be on the Performer List, managed by NHS England and administered by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA).
Why Does the NHS Performer List Matter for Dental Practice Owners?
Without Performer List approval, a dentist cannot legally deliver NHS dentistry.
For practice owners, this affects:
- Recruitment – only Performer List-approved associates can work under NHS contracts
- Compliance – NHSBSA requires all providers to be listed
- Cash Flow – NHS payments may be withheld if associates are not correctly registered
- Pensions – only Performer List activity qualifies for the NHS Pension Scheme
Example:
- A new associate joins without being Performer List-approved.
- The practice cannot claim UDAs for their NHS treatments until approval is complete.
- This risks underperformance and potential clawback.
What Does the NHS Performer List Include?
| Detail | Purpose |
| Dentist Identity | Confirms qualifications and GDC registration |
| Practice/Performer Number | Links the dentist to specific contracts |
| NHS Pension Eligibility | Ensures contributions are made correctly |
| Regulatory Checks | Confirms right to work and compliance with NHS standards |
How Does DentPulse Help with NHS Performer List Compliance?
| Feature | Function |
| Associate Setup Tracking | Confirms new associates are Performer List-approved |
| APEX™ Integration | Links performance data only to approved NHS associates |
| Revenue Recognition Engine | Prevents unapproved activity being misreported as NHS income |
| Clawback Forecasting | Flags risks if Performer List delays affect UDA delivery |
DentPulse ensures associates are registered, compliant, and financially tracked correctly.
DentPulse Tip™
“Every UDA delivered by a non-Performer List associate is invisible income.
Track compliance before it becomes a clawback.”
Related Glossary Terms
- NHS England – responsible for the Performer List in England
- NHSBSA – administers registration and payments
- UDA (Units of Dental Activity) – NHS activity measure tied to contracts
- NHS Pension Scheme – eligibility requires Performer List status
- APEX™ – tracks associate performance against contracts
Glossary Summary Table
| Term | Meaning |
| NHS Performer List | Register of dentists approved to deliver NHS services |
| Purpose | Ensures compliance, payment eligibility, and pension access |
| DentPulse Advantage | Automates compliance checks + links NHS activity to profitability |
