Pay

The problem

High street NHS dentists have seen a fall in real incomes with no parallel in the public sector. This collapse in pay is putting a struggling workforce under huge pressure, and fuelling an access crisis.

The solution

We continue to show the impact underinvestment is having on the service. Dentists are not striking, they are simply walking away, and NHS dentistry is now at crisis point. Dentists need to see a future if choosing to build a career in this service.

Our impact

We gather evidence from all areas of dentistry which helps to make the case for fair pay to the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists Remuneration (DDRB) each year.

Tools and support

We have analysed the estimated UDA value for all NHS contracts in England so that members can compare their practice or the practice where you work to the local and national averages.

UDA value checker

Latest information on pay across the UK

Learn more

Latest news

Northern Ireland: We urge Health Minister to include dentists in imminent negotiations on pay

Now Stormont is back, we have written to Health Minister Robin Swann outlining the mounting pay issues impacting dentistry.

DoH urged to re-invest underspend into stabilising GDS

Ciara Gallagher, Chair of the Northern Ireland Dental Practice Committee has written to the Director of Primary Care, Gearóid Cassidy regarding proposals for the General Dental Service (GDS).

Welsh Government offer 5% GDS uplift for 2023-24

Following extensive negotiations over the autumn with the Primary Care Division of Welsh Government, we have achieved the best offer possible of a 5% uplift on the GDS contract value this financial year.

Health Service dentistry has run out of road

An update on our meeting with the Department of Health (DoH) in Northern Ireland to discuss the worsening outlook for Health Service dentistry, and a range of workforce issues heavily impacting the profession.

Flexible commissioning offers new framework with same old problems

NHS England's new framework on flexible commissioning has worthy aspirations to make the NHS more attractive to dentists and improve patient care, but a failed, underfunded contract will act as a brake on progress.

Contract uplift to be implemented in next payments

The 5.13% uplift to GDS contracts in England will be implemented in the next payment schedule.

What is next for payment reform?

The next steps in the process to payment reform implementation have been outlined by the Scottish Government.

Juniors back pay deal

Junior doctors and dentists in training in Scotland have voted decisively to accept the latest pay offer from the Scottish Government.

Hospital dentists committee secures extra £14k for senior dental trainees

We can now confirm that nodal point 5 will apply from ST4/ST5 for dental training pathways from 1 April 2022 rather than 1 April 2023.

What does payment reform mean for you

It’s change, but not wholesale reform for Scotland as a new Determination I of the Statement of Dental Remuneration (SDR) lands.

Government must pay interest on late uplifts

We've told NHS England that NHS contract holders must be provided with interest for unacceptably late implementation of contract uplifts.

General dental practitioners: Share your experiences working in dentistry

As ministers pretend that NHS dentistry is on the road to recovery, the exodus from the workforce continues, and with inflation at a record high, we need to make the case for appropriate pay uplifts and contract expenses.

Exclusive member benefit

Looking for advice on this topic?

All members can access our extensive range of advice written by industry experts.

Browse advice

Pay