Request

In May 2023 the NHS BSA updated the period for retaining dentals records from 8 years to 15 years. The NHS BSA has also included FP17 forms in that bracket.

Please can you provide the following:

1. The date the amendment took effect
2. When and how NHS dental practices were notified of this change?
3. Minutes of any meetings discuss this change, including internal meetings and meetings with external bodies, including but not limited to the BDA.
4. The policy documents justifying the decision.

Response

I am writing to advise you that following a search of our paper and electronic records, I have established that the information you requested is not held by the NHS Business Services Authority.

The NHSBSA only holds record for 8 years. More information can be found in our privacy notice:

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/our-policies/privacy/nhs-dental-services-privacy-notice

It is possible that dental practices retain their dental records for 15 years, however these are not held or owned by the Business Services Authority.