Dentists who want to provide NHS primary dental care in England need to understand the NHS Dental Performers List and its requirements. Joining the list involves meeting specific eligibility criteria and completing the relevant application process.
This guide explains what the list is, who needs to join, the main eligibility requirements and how to apply. It also covers the documents dentists may need and common issues that can affect an application.
What Is the NHS Dental Performers List?
The NHS Performers List is a list of dental professionals approved to provide NHS primary dental care in England, subject to the applicable requirements. It helps NHS England assess whether dentists meet the necessary professional and regulatory standards to deliver these services.
Primary Care Support England (PCSE) manages the application process on behalf of NHS England. Dentists generally use PCSE Online to submit their applications and provide the required information.
The list is an important part of the process for dentists planning to work in NHS primary dental care. However, GDC registration and inclusion on the Performers List are separate requirements. Being registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) does not automatically mean a dentist is eligible to provide NHS primary dental care.
Dentists should check the current NHS England policy and PCSE guidance before applying, as requirements can vary according to their training, qualifications and professional circumstances.
Who Needs to Join the Dental Performers List?
The requirement to join the list depends on the type of dental work a professional intends to undertake. Dentists planning to provide NHS primary dental care in England should establish whether they need to be included before starting work.
The following groups should pay particular attention to the requirements:
- Newly qualified dentists: Dentists entering NHS primary dental care after graduation must meet the applicable training and eligibility requirements.
- Foundation dentists: Those undertaking dental foundation training should follow the specific guidance provided for their training pathway.
- Overseas-qualified dentists: Dentists who qualified outside the UK must meet the relevant GDC registration, training and application requirements. Eligibility depends on their individual circumstances.
- Dentists moving from other UK nations: Dentists already included on a performers list elsewhere in the UK should check the requirements for joining the list in England.
- Dentists returning to NHS practice: Professionals returning after a period away from NHS primary dental care should confirm their current status and any additional requirements.
NHS Performers List Requirements for Dentists
To join the NHS Dental Performers List, dentists must meet the relevant eligibility criteria and provide the required evidence.
GDC Registration
Applicants must meet the General Dental Council (GDC) registration requirements. GDC registration alone does not guarantee inclusion on the Performers List.
Dental Foundation Training or Equivalent Competence
Newly qualified dentists may need to complete approved dental foundation training. Other applicants must meet the relevant training, experience or assessment requirements for their circumstances.
Identity and Background Checks
Applicants may need identity verification, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and overseas police checks, where applicable.
Supporting Documents
Depending on their circumstances, applicants may need to provide qualification certificates, professional references, indemnity evidence and other supporting documents. Check the official PCSE guidance for the documents required for your application.
How to Apply for the NHS Dental Performers List
Dentists should apply through the official PCSE process and follow the instructions relevant to their circumstances.
The main steps are:
- Access PCSE Online: Follow the official instructions for accessing the relevant application service.
- Prepare your documents: Gather the required identification, registration details and supporting evidence.
- Complete the application: Enter your personal, professional and training information accurately.
- Submit the required evidence: Provide the documents and information requested through the application process.
- Respond to further requests: If PCSE needs additional information, provide it promptly and follow the instructions given.
- Wait for confirmation: Check your application status and wait for formal confirmation of the outcome.
Documents Required for the Dental Performers List
The documents required for the Dental NHS Performers List application depend on the applicant’s qualifications and circumstances. These may include:
- Proof of identity and GDC registration.
- Evidence of dental qualifications and training.
- DBS or overseas police check documents, where applicable.
- Professional references and indemnity evidence, if required.
Check the official PCSE guidance for the current requirements before submitting your application.
How Long Does the NHS Performers List Application Take?
The processing time for a dental performers list application can vary significantly depending on the completeness of your submission and the specific checks required.
Expected Timelines
Routine Applications: Timescales vary and PCSE does not publish a fixed turnaround; allow several months and apply early.
Complex Applications: Can take several months if they require further administrative review or additional eligibility assessments.
Common Causes of Delays
Your application may experience significant delays if any of the following factors occur during the pre-admission checking phase:
Missing Documents: Failing to upload mandatory evidence, such as your Occupational Health clearance, current GDC registration, or valid indemnity insurance.
Outstanding References: Delays caused by your chosen clinical referees failing to respond promptly to PCSE verification requests.
DBS Checks: Forgetting to supply your Enhanced DBS tracking reference number or issues arising from the DBS Update Service.
How to Check Your Dental Performers List Application Status
You can monitor the live progress of your application at any time through your personal PCSE Online portal.
Step-by-Step Tracking Process
- Log In: Go to the official PCSE Online portal and sign in using your registered credentials.
- Navigate: From your main user dashboard, click on the Performers List tab.
- Review Status: Locate your active application to view its current milestone and note your unique PL reference number.
Understanding Your Application Status
Your application will progress through four primary administrative stages:
- Draft: The application has been started by you but has not yet been finalised or submitted to PCSE.
- Submitted: Your digital application is complete and successfully sent. A unique PL reference number has been generated for tracking.
- Undergoing Detailed Checks: PCSE case officers are actively verifying your credentials, including GDC registration, clinical references and DBS details. You will also be prompted to complete a mandatory online video identity check during this stage.
- Under Consideration: PCSE has finished its initial assessment and has securely passed your file to your regional NHS England team. NHS England is the authorised body responsible for making the final decision on your inclusion.
Important Notice: If your application is delayed, check your dashboard for specific notification flags. PCSE automatically emails applicants if documents are rejected or if further clarification is required. Do not assume your application is approved until you receive your formal inclusion letter and email confirmation. You cannot legally perform NHS primary care dental services without it.
How to Check Whether a Dentist Is on the NHS Performers List
To check whether a dentist is included on the NHS Dental Performers List, use the relevant official Performers List search service or contact the appropriate authority.
Check the dentist’s details carefully and confirm any relevant information directly with the official source if needed.
Common Reasons for Application Delays
Several issues can delay an NHS Dental Performers List application, including:
- Missing or incomplete documents.
- Incorrect personal or professional details.
- Outstanding background checks or references.
- Additional training or eligibility evidence requirements.
- Delayed responses to PCSE requests.
NHS Dental Performers List Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, check which of the following requirements apply to you:
- Proof of identity and the required identity-verification steps.
- Current GDC registration details.
- Evidence of dental qualifications and relevant training.
- Dental foundation training completion, an applicable exemption or evidence of equivalent competence, where required.
- Enhanced DBS application details and any additional background checks required.
- Overseas police-check evidence, where applicable.
- Professional references and any other supporting information requested.
- Evidence of professional indemnity, where required.
- Evidence of the required Basic or Advanced Life Support training.
- Applicable occupational health clearance requirements.
Final Thoughts
Joining the NHS Dental Performers List is an important step for dentists planning to provide NHS primary dental care in England. Understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing the required documents and following the PCSE application process can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Before applying, check the latest official guidance to ensure you meet the requirements for your circumstances.
Need Help Joining the NHS Performers List?
Saint Visage supports dentists with Performers List applications, documentation and NHS practice onboarding.
Our NHS performers list support helps dentists understand the application process and the steps required to prepare for NHS practice.
Contact Saint Visage to discuss your requirements and the support available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit my application before receiving my DBS certificate?
PCSE guidance allows applicants to submit an application with evidence that they have applied for an Enhanced DBS check, such as the relevant tracking reference, subject to the applicable requirements.
What should I do if I cannot submit my application on PCSE Online?
Check that you have completed all mandatory fields and followed the consent or decline option for sharing your details with the relevant local representative committee. If the problem continues, contact PCSE through its official enquiry form.
How do I change a referee after submitting my application?
Contact PCSE through its Performers List enquiry service to request a change. You may need to provide your original referee’s details and the new referee’s name, contact information, professional role and relationship to you.
Do I need an overseas police check if I have lived abroad?
You may need to provide an overseas police check as part of your NHS Dental Performers List application, depending on your residence history and applicant category.
Under NHS England’s March 2026 application policy, applicants who have lived in another country for at least 12 months during the five years before applying may be required to provide an overseas police check. Relevant periods of residence may not need to be continuous.
Requirements can vary depending on your circumstances, including whether obtaining a police certificate is possible. Check the latest NHS England application policy and the relevant PCSE applicant guidance before applying.
How do I find my dental performer number?
PCSE advises dentists to access Compass, the NHS Business Services Authority’s dental services system, to find their performer number and related details. If you cannot access Compass, consult the NHSBSA Dental Services guidance.
Can I work in NHS primary dental care while my application is pending?
Do not assume that submitting an application authorises you to work. Confirm that you have received formal confirmation of inclusion on the Performers List before undertaking NHS primary dental care work.
What should I do if my application is delayed?
Check your PCSE Online account for outstanding requests, missing documents or status updates. Respond promptly to requests for additional information and contact PCSE through its official enquiry service if you need clarification.
Editorial review: Last reviewed 23 October 2026. Requirements and application procedures may change. Always check the latest official NHS England and PCSE guidance before applying.
