Overview
This page outlines employed NHS dentists’ rights and considerations during maternity, adoption and other family-related leave, including leave entitlements, pay, annual leave accrual, keeping in touch, and returning to work.
You will learn more about statutory maternity leave and pay, planning dates, and what you should communicate with your employer about. In addition to this, we cover NHS contractual maternity pay, how to qualify and how employment breaks work within this.
We detail the leave you can get if you adopt a child or have a child through surrogacy, and what documentation you need. Plus, your eligibility requirements for NHS contractual adoption leave and pay.
We also cover the responsibilities that your employer has to you during and after your pregnancy. You may require time off and this can affect other entitlements. Your contractual obligations should also be clearly outlined during maternity leave. If you feel you are being discriminated against, we outline your rights and what to do.
During your leave for maternity, paternity or adoption it is wise to stay informed about the accrual of annual leave, and arrange how to keep in touch with your employer.
We also outline your rights in the tragic event of a miscarriage.
It is useful to plan your return to work, whether on the same terms as before or incorporating flexible working. Allowances should be made for breastfeeding requirements, if plans change and you do not go back to work, or your return is delayed.
Paternity and shared parental leave are also protected under the law, and we detail the rights of fathers and same-sex partners who are NHS employees.
Finally we cover other situations where you may require time off work, including “parental leave" which can be taken after maternity leave, and time off in emergencies involving a dependant.
