This procurement is being undertaken under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 using Direct Award Process C. The contract is for the provision of the Dental Epidemiology Survey (Oral Health Survey) across the Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council areas. Dorset Council is acting as the host authority on behalf of both local authorities. The service supports the statutory public health responsibility to assess and monitor oral health needs and includes survey planning, sampling, engagement with educational settings and participants, administration of consent processes, clinical examinations, data collection, quality assurance, analysis support and submission of survey data in accordance with the National Dental Epidemiology Programme and associated national guidance.

Dorset Council is acting as Lead Commissioner and Contracting Authority on behalf of itself and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council. This procurement is for the delivery of annual oral health surveys across the BCP Council and Dorset Council areas, in line with the national specification. The Councils intend to award this contract to an existing provider, using Direct Award Process C under the Provider Selection Regime 2023. The approximate lifetime value of the contract, including any included extension options, is £100,000. The services are to be provided for the school years 25/26, 26/27 and 27/28, with the option to extend the contract for one year to cover the 28/29 school year until 31st August 2029.