A Local Dental Committee (LDC) is the official, NHS‑recognised body that represents NHS primary care dentists within a defined local area, ensuring dentists’ views are heard in commissioning, service planning, and policy development. It is a representative and advisory organisation, recognised in law, as the body the NHS must consult on matters affecting local dental services. 

Who does the LDCs represent

• Dentists with GDS contracts or PDS agreements.
• Dentists on the NHS Performers List for that locality.

Think of it as the statutory voice of local dentists whenever the NHS is planning, negotiating, or changing dental services representing all dentists and their teams who do NHS work in East Lancashire.

What LDCs actually do

LDCs act as the bridge between local dentists and NHS England commissioners. They:

• Provide formal feedback on proposed changes to NHS dental services.
• Keep practices updated with regional guidance and policy changes.
• Raise local concerns with NHSE and the British Dental Association (BDA).
• Offer advice, support, and signposting for dentists facing local issues.

The LDC is funded via the Statutory Levy. The Statutory Levy is compulsory and not subject to an opt-out option. We try to keep the levy as low as possible and is currently 0.13% of the contract value.

Who makes up the LDC

The LDC is made up of dentists and dental professionals elected, or co‑opted, to represent NHS primary care dentistry in a defined local area. We have a great deal of experience within the East Lancashire team, which includes practice principals, experienced associates, foundation trainers, qualified mentors and postgraduate facilitators at fellowship and doctorate level. We have practitioners involved in various pathways and we have links to UCLan, Manchester University and the CGDent at a high level.