SNOMED

The Dental Software Suppliers Association (DSSA) has been working alongside regulatory and industry bodies including the Business Services Authority, NHS X and the Chief Dental Office, regarding the implementation of SNOMED CT.

The DSSA policy is that member software should be made capable of recording SNOMED coding for newly charted items of treatment from the 1st September 2021.

We understand that the mandatory scope of implementation is currently limited to NHS England treatments only (even if patients are receiving mixed NHS and Private treatment plans).

At this time, and unless advised otherwise by authorities, we are using the Dental Reference Data files as published on https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/dental-provider-assurance/clinical-services/snomed-ct as our reference source for what subset of codes from the SNOMED CT vocabulary should  be used.

We have as yet been given no requirements for the transmission of these codes to other systems, nor any reporting requirements for the use of these codes in our own dental software systems.

The DSSA we will be pleased to receive further direction / clarification and documentation

from the authorities to help evolve this policy further.