Providers can claim long-term sickness leave payments if their performer meets the qualifying conditions.
Providers cannot apply for payments to cover the first 4 weeks of absence.
A maximum of 22 weeks can be claimed every 52 weeks.
Long-term sickness leave payments are taxable and fully pensionable.
Read the full Statement of Financial Entitlement (SFE).
Who can apply
A provider can claim long-term sickness leave payments for a performer they employ if the performer has:
- been named on an NHS dental performer list for 2 years - this does not have to be a continuous period and does not have to immediately precede the period of sickness
- provided NHS dental services within the last 2 years
- been unable to work due to sickness
- not registered as a Limited Company
If a performer has completed one year of approved vocational training, a provider can claim after one year of their NHS dental performer list membership.
How to apply
You can apply for long-term sickness payments by downloading and completing the application form.
Performers in England must email their completed application to nhsbsa.dentalservices@nhsbsa.nhs.uk.
Performers in Wales must email their completed application to nwssp-primarycareservices@wales.nhs.uk.
Separate applications must be made for each contract you're a clinician on.
Applications must be received:
- no earlier than one month before the payment start date
- no later than 3 months after the payment start date
You must check the figures are correct on Compass before the claim is submitted.
A recalculation will only be made in exceptional circumstances.
Sending evidence
Your application must include a medical certificate or statement from a registered healthcare professional confirming the performer is unable to work due to sickness.
Payments
Providers are paid a weekly amount based on the performer's Net Pensionable Earnings (NPE) or Net Pensionable Earnings Equivalent (NPEE) on Compass at the date the payment is due.
Weekly payments cannot exceed £1,660 for a dental performer and £3,630 for orthodontic performers.
An orthodontic performer is a performer who earns 50% or more of their weekly NPE or NPEE from orthodontic services.
If the performer leaves the contract during the payment period, payments will stop.
If the performer is able to return to work earlier than expected, the provider must contact us at nhsbsa.dentalservices@nhsbsa.nhs.uk.