Dental Laboratory Services

Barts Health NHS Trust Institute of Dentistry is seeking to establish a Framework Agreement to appoint qualified and experienced providers who have the capability of providing external dental laboratory services to support the Trusts day-to-day dental procedures and patient care activities. The scope of this agreement is to fulfil the Trusts requirement for external dental laboratory work for: • Fixed Prosthodontics, • Removable Prosthetics, and • Orthodontics The objective of this Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) is to make industry providers aware of this opportunity and express their interest. This procurement will take place under the Health Care Service (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. Participation for this market engagement closes at 12:00hrs 5th June 2025 This contract is divided into lots: Yes Lot 1 - Fixed Prosthodontics The field of Fixed Prosthodontics (also known as crown and bridge dentistry) is a branch of dentistry that involve repairing or replacing teeth with prosthetics. This will include such things like Dental Crowns and Bridges, Dentures, and even Dental Implants. The main types of treatments and devices used in Fixed Prosthodontics include: 1. Dental Crowns: These are used to completely cover or cap a damaged tooth or cover an implant. 2. Dental Bridges: These are used to replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap where teeth are missing. 3. Inlays and Onlays: These are used when old fillings need to be removed or replaced 4. Dental Veneers: These are thin shells, usually made of porcelain, that are bonded to the front of the teeth to improve their appearance. 5. Dental Implants: These are replacement tooth roots that provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth. 6. Dentures: These can be full (replacing a full set of teeth) or partial (replacing one or more missing teeth). However, fixed dentures or implant-supported dentures, unlike traditional removable dentures, are considered under fixed prosthodontics. Fixed Prosthodontics provides solutions that are aesthetically pleasing and functional, allowing patients to chew and speak normally. These treatments can also preserve oral health by maintaining proper spacing between teeth to prevent shifts and changes to the bite. The project reference is PR-1224 (SF054444) Lot 2 – Removable Prosthetics This is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the replacement of missing teeth with appliances that can be removed by the patient for cleaning and maintenance. These removable dental prosthetics are designed to restore function (for example chewing and speaking) and aesthetics, and they can be taken out and placed back into the mouth easily. Examples of removable prosthetic devices include: • Complete Dentures: used when all teeth are missing. They can be for the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. • Partial Dentures: Used when some natural teeth remain and consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-coloured plastic base, that is often connected by a metal framework which holds the denture in place. The project reference is PR-1224 (SF054444) Lot 3 - Orthodontics This is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the correction of irregularities in the teeth (especially alignment and occlusion) and jaws. This includes treating and controlling various aspects of facial growth (dentofacial orthopaedics) and the shape and development of the jaw. Orthodontics relates to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities, such as: o Crooked Teeth: Orthodontics involved in the straightening of teeth that are rotating or misaligned. o Malocclusions: This includes conditions like overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, and spacing or crowding of teeth. o Jaw Alignment: Orthodontics can also correct conditions related to the misalignment of the jaw, often through, the use of specialized oral appliances or surgical interventions. o Aesthetic Improvement: Orthodontic treatments which can dramatically improve the appearance of a person’s smile and facial symmetry. o Speech and Chewing Difficulties: By realigning teeth and correcting jaw issues, orthodontics can improve problems with speech and chewing. Orthodontic treatments often use appliances such as braces, retainers, and aligners. Braces, the most common orthodontic appliance, apply continuous pressure over time to move teeth into alignment. Retainers hold teeth in their new position after braces are removed. Aligners offer a less noticeable, more aesthetic alternative to traditional braces. The project reference is PR-1224 (SF054444) The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes