Tier 2 Dental Restorative Services in Sussex

NHS Sussex (the Commissioner) are looking to continue the Tier 2 Dental Restorative Services with the current provider in Sussex. While this procurement exercise is being launched by NHS Sussex ICB, the Provider should note that, following the planned merger of NHS Sussex ICB and NHS Surrey Heartlands ICB on 1 April 2026, the awarding authority for the resulting contract will be the newly established NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB. Tier 2 dental restorative services provide care for patients who have complex oral and dental problems involving replacing missing teeth, repairing damaged teeth or restoration of the whole mouth. There are three types of restorative dentistry: • Periodontal care manages gum disease • Endodontic care manages the root and remaining tooth tissue usually carried out by root canal treatment • Prosthodontic care includes diagnosis, care planning and provision of clinical treatments including crowns, bridges, dentures and occlusal splints. Tier 2 restorative services treat more complex cases than can be managed by Tier 1 dental practices as defined in the commissioning guide for restorative dentistry. The term of the existing Restorative contract is due to expire on 31st March 2026 and the Commissioner has proposed that a new contract should replace the existing contract at the end of its term. All requirements outlined in Regulation 6(5) of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 have been met, including not breaching the considerable change threshold, and therefore direct award process C has been deemed the appropriate provider selection process. After conducting an assessment of the incumbent provider, taking into account the key criteria and applying the basic selection criteria, the Commissioner is content that the existing provider is satisfying the original contract and will likely satisfy the proposed contract to a sufficient standard. The contract term will be for an initial period of 12 months, with an option to extend for a further 12 months at the sole discretion of the Commissioner. The service is anticipated to commence on the 1st April 2026. The total contract value excluding extensions is £90,400, and £180,800 including extensions. A full procurement for this service is in the pipeline and has a planned start date of April 2027. Other providers in Sussex will have the opportunity to bid for this contract when it is fully procured. This transparency notice serves as an intention to award the contract to the incumbent provider, using direct award process C under Provider Selection Regime (PSR). This procurement has been carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.