The government has confirmed a pay uplift for NHS dentists – though key figures in dentistry say the changes ‘radically underestimate’ the cost of delivering care.
On 25 March, the government announced that it would accept the recommendation of the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body (DDRB) for a pay uplift for NHS dentists.
From 1 April 2026, the following groups will receive a 3.5% increase to pay ranges and the pay element of contracts:
- Hospital dentists
- Specialty, specialist and associate specialist (SAS) dentists
- Consultants.
Meanwhile, salaried dentists working in community dental services will receive a pay increase of 3.75%.
It is anticipated that staff will receive the uplift in June’s pay packet, back dated to April 2026. This award is above the rate of inflation and the highest of any group within the NHS. Doctors and GPs will receive 3.5%.
Why are dental experts against the pay uplift?
Two further recommendations related to dentistry were made by the DDRB:
- Governments should work with dentists’ representatives to develop an index of dental costs in each nation, which should be used to determine the expenses element of dental contract uplifts in each nation
- Governments should review pay and progression for salaried dentists working in community and public dental services to assess whether the reward structure is appropriate to support recruitment, retention, and service delivery.
However, the government said ‘further time is required to carefully consider these and determine the best way forward’.
The British Dental Association (BDA) said it believes the government intends to use GDP deflator as the basis for the expenses uplift, which it said would ‘radically underestimate the significant inflationary pressures dentists in England are under’.
BDA vice chair Peter Crooks said: ‘By failing to properly reflect the costs of care, ministers are turning a recommended pay increase into a pay cut.
‘These choices have real consequences for patients. The government recently boasted of increasing dentist numbers to ease the NHS access crisis. This policy will achieve the exact opposite outcome.’
The association estimated that dental staff costs have increased by 14%, laboratory bills for items like dentures and crowns by 9%, and other costs by 4%. It called for a ‘sustainable approach from devolved administrations’ to properly reflect this sharp rise in costs.
Follow Dentistry.co.uk on Instagram to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.
