Mandatory Dental Services - Rapid Commissioning of Additional Units of Dental Activity on behalf of NHS Gloucestershire ICB

NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) has conducted a rapid commissioning process aimed at enhancing access to Mandatory Dental Services in the West Cheltenham area. The procurement process is classified under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) contract modification, specifically focusing on dental-practice services. This initiative, part of NHS Gloucestershire ICB's response to contract terminations, seeks to bring dental activity closer to pre-pandemic levels and aligns with the NHS 2023/24 priorities for healthcare service recovery.

The procurement process was concluded with an award made without prior publication of a call for competition, falling outside the standard scope of application under the Provider Selection Regime (2023). The contract award decision was approved on 20th June 2025, with Coronation Dental Practice receiving the active contract on 1st August 2024, valued at £1,200,000. This tender presents significant opportunities for dental service providers, especially those capable of swiftly scaling their operations, to supply additional Units of Dental Activity (UDAs) as a variation to existing contracts.

The focus on a limited procurement method underscores the opportunity for niche market players, such as SMEs like Coronation Dental Practice, to engage with NHS commissions through direct negotiation and pre-established relationships. Providers in the dental services sector that can offer reliable, recurrent services will find this tender well-suited to their capabilities, thus presenting avenues for sustainable business growth within the healthcare domain of the UK. This strategic alignment allows businesses to contribute to public health objectives while expanding their market presence.