FOI-03846

##Request

_I am writing to request guidance and access to dentist (performer) data and dentist to practice linkage data held by NHSBSA for use within a restricted, NHS facing application._
 
_Please see details of the request below and advise on the next steps, required documentation, and any additional information needed to progress this request._
 
___Organisation and system context___

•	_Organisation: IMS MAXIMS_

•	_Application/System: MAXIMS_

•	_Audience: Hospital Administrative Staff, Nurses, and Consultants_

•	_Access model: Restricted, authenticated NHS users only (no public access)_
 
___Purpose of the data___

_MAXIMS supports clinical and operational workflows used by NHS hospital staff. Visibility of dentists as contracted practitioners and their associated dental practices/locations is essential to support care coordination, administration, and safe operational decision making. This is not a public directory and does not replace or replicate patient facing “find a dentist” services._
 
___Data required___

_We are seeking access to the minimum necessary data items, including:_

•	_Dentist / performer identifier_

•	_Dentist name_

•	_Status (active/inactive) and relevant dates_

•	_Dental contract location / associated dental practice_

•	_Relationship dates (where applicable)_
 
___ODS data is insufficient___

_ODS Data Search & Export provides dental practice reference data but does not publish:_

•	_Individual dentists, or_

•	_Dentist to practice / contract location relationships_

_As such, NHSBSA Compass/eDEN is the authoritative source for the data required by this system._
 
___Information governance___

•	_The system is restricted to NHS users and is not publicly accessible_

•	_Data will not be redistributed or exposed via open APIs_

•	_Appropriate access controls, audit logging, and retention controls are in place_

•	_A DPIA can be provided or completed as part of this request_
 
___Requested access route___

_We would welcome guidance on the most appropriate access mechanism, for example:_

•	_eDEN access, or_

•	_A commissioned data extract / feed suitable for ongoing operational use_

##Response

I can confirm that the NHSBSA holds the information you have requested and a copy of the information is attached.

__Data Queries__

Please contact <a href=mailto:foirequests@nhsbsa.nhs.uk>foirequests@nhsbsa.nhs.uk</a>   ensuring you quote the above reference if you have any specific questions regarding this response; or, if you feel you may be misunderstanding or misinterpreting the information; or, if you plan on publishing the data.

__Reusing the data and copyright__

If you plan on producing a press or broadcast story based upon the data please contact <a href=mailto:communicationsteam@nhsbsa.nhs.uk>communicationsteam@nhsbsa.nhs.uk</a> This is important to ensure that the figures are not misunderstood or misrepresented.

The information supplied to you continues to be protected by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and is subject to NHSBSA copyright. This information is licenced under the terms of the Open Government Licence detailed at:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/ 

Should you wish to re-use the information you must include the following statement: “NHSBSA Copyright 2026” Failure to do so is a breach of the terms of the licence.

Information you receive which is not subject to NHSBSA Copyright continues to be protected by the copyright of the person, or organisation, from which the information originated. Please obtain their permission before reproducing any third party (non NHSBSA Copyright) information.


Tags: NHS Dental Services
Organization: Freedom of Information Disclosure Log