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Information for Foundation Dentists

NHS Dental Services 

NHS Dental Services is part of the NHS Business Services Authority. We're responsible for processing NHS dental claims and paying NHS Dentists. We manage the NHS contracts through a system called Compass. You can find more details on our NHS Dental Services webpage.  

Whilst you’re a Foundation Dentist you’re salaried and employed by a Lead Employer NHS Trust, please contact your local Health Education England office for further details.

Compass is our contract management, payments and superannuation system.  

It is a web-based database that contains all contract, payment, pension and activity information for all NHS dental contracts.  

In Compass, you can view: 

  • all claims submitted under your performer number 

  • your expense claims submitted under your performer number

How to log in to Compass 

We'll have sent you a Compass activation email. This is sent to the email address you provided when you applied to the Performer List.

To set up your Compass log in details: 

  • select the link in the activation email 

  • create a username, password and memorable word 

What to do if you cannot find your activation email 

If you cannot find your activation email in your inbox or junk mail or trash folders, call us on 0300 330 1348. You'll need to have your performer number and GDC number when you call.

Find out about call charges

What to do if you have forgotten your log in details 

If you've forgotten your password or memorable word, you can reset them from the Compass Log in page.  

If you've forgotten your username, call us on 0300 330 1348. You'll need to have your performer number and GDC number when you call. 

Compass gives you access to: 

Monthly statements  

Your monthly statement includes a summary of processed claims. This will list details of all the patients you have seen, together with the band of treatment claimed.

You may also be reimbursed through Compass for travel and subsistence. These details will also be included in your statement.

Claiming reimbursement for Travel and Subsistence (PDF: 783KB)

You must only use this process if your Dental Foundation Training Scheme has advised you to claim for travel or subsistence via Compass and the NHSBSA.

You can view a short video to find out how to view your pay statement.  

Activity 

During your training year, you have an estimated number of Units of Dental Activity (UDA) that you're expected to achieve. You'll be required to record these figures monthly in your e-portfolio and also upload documentary proof of these figures from Compass.  

Although the information is included in your Monthly Statement you should not upload the details of the patients and treatments you've provided. You can find a more suitable record of UDAs achieved in the Activity Actuals report. 

You can view a short video to find out how to access the Activity Actuals report

Reports 

Twice a year, NHS Dental Services provides an FD report for you and your trainer. This report provides you with a breakdown of the clinical data set, the number of claims for the various treatments and, where recorded, the number of teeth treated.  

It also gives a breakdown of activity by adult and child and analysis of patients treated by age. 

You can view a short video to find out how to access these reports.

Keeping your personal details up to date

You must ensure that your National Insurance (NI) number has been updated in Compass. It only takes 4 quick steps as shown in the YouTube video How to update Personal Details as a Performer in Compass

If the NI number field in Compass shows a number prefixed with ZZ this means it's a temporary number which needs to be replaced. You'll need to type over the temporary number with your true NI number.

There's a great deal of useful information on the NHS Dental Services webpages. This includes our ‘In the Spotlight’ articles about appropriate claiming

We also have a NHS Dental Services knowledge base resource library you can use to find information about dental treatment, treatment bands and costs, Compass and much more. 

When you have completed your Foundation dental training you need to inform PCSE for your status to be changed to Dental Performer on Compass and work as an Associate on an NHS contract.

Our Contact Centre is open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. You can contact us by: 

Telephone: 0300 330 1348 

Email: nhsbsa.dentalservices@nhsbsa.nhs.net

Find out about call charges