As highlighted in NHS England’s first stage of Dental Reform letter, data is required covering a patient’s oral health at the point of check-up. Therefore, we’ve made some changes to the clinical data set to include new items:
- Highest BPE sextant score
- Number of untreated decayed teeth
- Recall interval
Information about the changes is summarised in the following sections. For further information, read completion of form guidance – FP17 (under the ‘Dental forms’ heading).
Recording the highest BPE sextant score
Entry of the highest Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) sextant score is mandatory on all FP17 claims when the date of acceptance is on or after 1 October 2022 and the patient is 18 or over. It is optional for patients under 18.
Use the drop-down list next to ‘Highest BPE Sextant Score’ to record either:
- Score of zero
- Score of 1
- Score of 2
- Score of 3
- Score of 4
- - (hyphen)
The hyphen must only be used if it is not possible to carry out a BPE.
Recording the number of untreated decayed teeth
Recording the number of untreated decayed teeth is mandatory on all FP17 claims when the date of acceptance is on or after 1 October 2022 and the patient is 18 or over. It is optional for patients under 18.
You must use the untreated decayed teeth field to record the number of teeth with active caries which extends into dentine, including teeth which have recurrent decay around fillings. This excludes arrested decay.
Recording the patient’s recommended recall period
NHS England, in their first stage of Dental Reform letter, has set out the requirement to personalise each patient’s recall period based on their oral health risk and the NICE guidelines.
Recording the patient’s recall period is mandatory on all FP17 claims when the date of acceptance is on or after 1 October 2022 and the patient is 18 or over. It is optional for patients under 18.
The patient’s recall period can be recorded in the NICE Guidance field. This should be between 3 and 24 months.
Recording the patient’s recommended recall period does not apply to treatment on referral.
