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. You can read our full 2024/25 DDRB evidence.

Tools and support

Our popular UDA value checker analyses 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.

Latest information on pay across the UK

Latest news

Government tie hands of practices on urgent care

Government’s move to force practices to deliver a minimum level of urgent and unscheduled care is wrong in principle and ignores the reality that demand for these treatments is not one size fits all.

England: Interim change may help but cannot be end of the road

We hope that interim changes to the discredited NHS dental contract will offer a boost for patients and practitioners but this is not the wholesale change required.

England: Urgent care scheme revised and reopened

NHS England has now revised and reopened applications to its urgent care scheme, following our feedback.

Northern Ireland: Pay uplift approved

Dentists to receive backdated uplift, with commitments to prioritising future pay awards.

12 percent ARF hike only adds to pressure on dentists

General Dental Council confirms it will raise the Annual Retention Fees (ARF) by 12.4% in 2026. Every penny of this increase must be justified.

Scotland: Additional SDR changes from 1 November 2025

The Scottish Government has responded to our calls by bringing forward a number of amendments to the Statement of Dental Remuneration (SDR).

Scotland: The end of 9:1 contracts for consultants

A move towards job plans that are more sustainable and tailored.

Scotland: Download our 2025-26 fees guide

The 2025-26 BDA fees guide is now available to member dentists in Scotland.

Wales: Government must show it’s willing to listen on reform

We have warned Ministers they must show they are willing to reflect the weight of opinion from both the public and the dental profession.

England: Six months late: The latest pay cut from Government

Government has once again failed to deliver the recommendations of our pay review body, delivering another real-terms pay cut to England’s struggling NHS dental service.

Northern Ireland: Update on DDRB, Expenses and Cost-of-Service Review

Minister responds as clarity sought on a range of GDS issues.

England: Contract uplift must be implemented without delay

We need confirmation of the GDPs’ contract uplift, which is nearly five months overdue.

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