New specialist progression route announced in Scotland

Specialty dentists in Scotland who are able to demonstrate they possess and have been applying the skills and experience for the specialist grade will now be able to progress to a specialist title.

These skills and experience must meet the capability framework requirements for the specialist grade and there must be a service need for a specialist grade post.

The new policy is effective from August 2025, meaning that pay will be backdated to 1 August 2025 for candidates who successfully apply before 31 January 2026.

It will not replace the existing process for recruitment into a vacant role, for example when an associate specialist leaves or when a new role is created.

The Scottish Government acknowledged that a clear commitment to career development is needed for specialty dentists to create opportunities for them to progress. It said this would in turn improve patient care and access to services.

What will the process be for the specialist progression route?

1. Specialty dentist requests a meeting with their line manager to discuss regrading, including evidence that they are working at specialist level
2. Line manager considers evidence and discusses the service need for a specialist with the clinical director
3. If the line manager supports the application then the specialty dentist submits an application form to the medical workforce team
4. If the line manager does not support the application, they must tell the applicant why in writing, explaining which of the eligibility criteria were not met. Where the applicant’s level of experience, skill or autonomous practice is the reason, a development plan should be identified with the applicant
5. Even where the line manager does not support the application, the specialty dentist can still submit an application to the medical workforce team if they disagree with the decision
6. The medical workforce team forms a panel to consider the application, including at least one senior independent clinical lead, a staff member with clinical oversight of the team in question, and a member of HR. The panel may then request additional information
7. The panel decides whether to accept or reject the application. Before rejecting, the applicant must be invited to a discussion with the panel
8. If the panel accepts the application, then applicant is regraded with effect from date of application and informed in writing. Where needed, an updated job plan should be agreed between the applicant and line manager
9. If the panel rejects the application the applicant should receive detailed feedback, including the reasons for rejection and where appropriate areas for improvement of competencies required to meet the eligibility criteria
10. If rejected, the applicant may submit an appeal to the medical director. A new panel will be convened to hear the appeal, and the applicant must be advised in writing of the outcome.

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