What counts as an adjustment?
Common adjustment work includes:
Easing or reshaping a denture or bridge
Removing or adding a clasp
Adjusting recently fitted appliances
Minor refinements during aftercare
Aftercare vs. new treatment
Aftercare (part of the original Course of Treatment)
Adjustments are considered aftercare when:
It relates to a recently provided denture or bridge, and
It is part of completing the treatment to ensure comfort/function
There is no time limit stated in GDS/PDS regulations, as long as it is clearly part of the original treatment completed under:
Band 1, Band 2a, Band 2b, Band 2c, or Band 3
Its important to note:
You cannot claim an additional UDA for aftercare adjustments.
The patient must not be charged.
You should NOT resubmit the original claim unless you are legitimately revising the completion date.
What band should I claim on a new course of treatment?
Adjusting an existing denture/bridge (not recently fitted)
No examination provided
Adjustment only → Band 4 Urgent Treatment
Examination provided
Exam + adjustment → Band 1 CoT
Denture relining
Reline → Band 2a CoT
Adjustment within two months of completion
If this is newly diagnosed treatment, it's not appropriate for easing a recently constructed denture. (Easing = aftercare → original CoT)
Working specifically with clasps
Removing a clasp
Exam provided → Band 1
Pain/urgent need → Band 4
Recently provided appliance → Aftercare (no new claim)
Adding a clasp
Exam provided → Band 2
Recently provided appliance → Aftercare (no new claim)
Repairing or replacing a clasp
For an existing denture → Free denture repair (charge-exempt item)
If recently provided denture → Considered aftercare, so no new claim.
For more information about adjustments, please refer to the NHS knowledge base.