Dentists in England to receive an above-inflation 2.5% pay rise

The government will be giving an above-inflation pay rise of 2.5% to dentists, which will be backdated to April.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced an above inflation pay rise for public sector workers yesterday.

The pay rise meets the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB) recommendations.

‘We’re able to afford these pay rises because our balanced approach means we’ve reduced our debt, while investing in public services, including pay,’ Mr Hammond said.

‘Bare minimum’

This is the first above-inflation pay rise dentists in England have had since 2005/6.

A final uplift to contract values for GDPs will be confirmed following a consultation on expenses.

Hospital dentists will see a 2.5% uplift in basic pay, but with no increase in their clinical excellence awards.

‘Pay uplifts on the right side of inflation shouldn’t be exceptional,’ BDA vice chair, Eddie Crouch, said.

‘They represent a bare minimum in terms of government’s duty of care to NHS dentists.

‘We have taken evidence from our members on a recruitment and retention crisis to pay review bodies, to the press, and parliamentarians.

‘We have shown how a decade of pay restraint has put the future of this service in doubt.

‘And we will not change tack.

‘This approach cannot be a one-off, or reserved for special occasions.

‘Nor does it undo the damage wrought by 10 years of cuts.

‘Colleagues will have heard the death knell for austerity pay policy rung out before.

‘NHS dentistry now requires consistency and investment, so all providers and performers can see the benefit.’

Net spending drop

Earlier this year the government increased dental charges by 5%, so a routine check-up now costs £22.70.

Net government expenditure in England on dental services has dropped by £550 million in real terms since 2010.

Over the same period, charges have increased by more than 30%.

‘Dental charges remain an important contribution to the overall cost of the NHS budget,’ a government spokesperson, said at the time.

‘We have taken the decision to uplift dental charges for those who can afford it, through a 5% increase this year.

‘This means the dental charge payable for a band one course of treatment will rise by £1.10 in 2019-20, from £21.60 to £22.70.

‘The dental charge for a band two course of treatment will increase by £3.00 in 2019-20, from £59.10 to £62.10.

‘The charge for a band three course of treatment will increase by £12.80 in 2019-20, from £256.50 to £269.30.’


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