FAQs
The practical details about your appraisal, preparation and what happens next.
NHS contract rules differ by country. Read the country-by-country guide before booking.
View UK appraisal guidanceIf you do NHS work in a dental practice in England, annual appraisal is a requirement of the NHS contract. The GDC does not currently require appraisal. A good appraisal can give your Enhanced CPD and personal development plan real direction.
The funded scheme is for eligible dentists, hygienists and therapists, including contractors and locums, who provide direct NHS care. You must meet the minimum activity threshold (two whole working days a month or 12 days over a continuous six-month period) and have the required continuous NHS engagement in the final 26 weeks. Salaried NHS staff on NHS terms, foundation trainees and secure-estate contract staff are excluded. Check the current NHS England criteria before booking.
Yes, if your practice or contract holder agrees. NHS England says the appraiser should be agreed with the practice; BDA guidance says an external peer appraiser can be used if the practice agrees the arrangements. Agree in writing how any UDA contribution is apportioned. Booking an external appraisal alone does not confirm that the appraisal meets your practice’s requirements.
No. The NHS-funded appraisal must focus on NHS work. Private practice or mixed NHS and private work is covered by a separate £350 service and does not replace the funded NHS appraisal.
Yes. The service covers dental professionals with non-clinical duties, including teaching and government roles. The appraisal scope should reflect your actual work and responsibilities.
Yes. The service covers military dental personnel in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Send your rank and role through the contact form so Mikey can confirm the appraisal scope.
No. Salaried NHS dental staff have an employer-led appraisal process, often linked to job planning. The employer must commission and agree any external appraisal. An independent appraisal alone does not replace the employer-led process.
You receive a signed summary using the NHS England appraisal template and a personal development plan. The summary supports your Compass claim if you are eligible.
The service covers dentists, hygienists, therapists, practice principals, associates, locums, portfolio clinicians and specialists. The service also covers teaching and government roles, aesthetics practitioners, clinicians whose work is limited to one branch of dentistry, salaried service dentists, other non-clinical work and military dental roles. Send your role and country through the contact form. Mikey will confirm the appraisal scope.
Eligible therapists and hygienists who provide direct NHS care may qualify for the England scheme. The NHS-funded appraisal must focus on NHS work. Clinicians working in private practice can enquire about a separate paid appraisal.
Yes, within the limits set out in the appraisal agreement. The agreement explains the exception for a serious concern about patient safety before you book.
You should still have your appraisal; reflection on difficult events can form part of the discussion. If a case is open, ask your indemnity provider how to word your written reflection. Keep the reflection focused on learning rather than a detailed account. The appraisal is not legal advice or representation.
Allow a few hours to gather your evidence, 90 minutes for the online appraisal meeting, and up to five working days to receive your signed summary and personal development plan.
Yes. Dental nurses and other employed team members can be included in a practice team appraisal package.
No. The Dental Appraiser is an independent service, not an NHS or GDC body. There is no implication of NHS England or GDC endorsement.
