Dental practices across Wales are facing significant financial pressures. Rising employment costs, increasing regulatory requirements, inflation and workforce challenges all add to the pressures of delivering NHS dentistry. At the same time, dentists, dental care professionals and practice teams deserve fair pay that reflects the vital care they provide.
That is why our priorities in negotiations are clear. We are seeking an uplift that delivers genuine investment into NHS dentistry, supports the workforce, and helps practices remain sustainable for the future. Redistributing existing resources or imposing new obligations without proper investment is not enough.
Ensuring pay awards are fully funded
A key objective is ensuring that any pay award recommended by the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration (DDRB) can be fully delivered.
You will be familiar with the frustration of headline uplifts that fail to translate into real improvements because rising practice expenses absorb much of the additional investment. We believe that money intended to support pay must reach the workforce, while practices receive appropriate support to meet their growing overheads.
We are calling for a clear approach that recognises both workforce pay and the realities of running a dental practice.
We are calling for a clear approach that recognises both workforce pay and the realities of running a dental practice. This would allow practices to remain financially viable while rewarding the people who deliver NHS care.
Securing support for rising employment costs
The cost of employing staff continues to rise. National Insurance contributions, National Living Wage rates and other statutory employment costs place additional pressure on practice finances.
These are unavoidable costs that practices should not be expected to absorb from existing contract values. We are pressing for a funding approach that recognises these additional burdens.
NHS dentistry cannot remain sustainable if practices are expected to do more while receiving less in real terms.
No new responsibilities without resources
The introduction of the new Welsh GDS contract has brought significant change. While the profession remains committed to improving patient care, any future contractual developments must be matched by appropriate investment.
We will continue to challenge any expectation that practices should deliver additional activity, take on new responsibilities or meet further administrative requirements without the necessary resources being available.
If government expects practices to deliver more, it must provide the means to do so.
If government expects practices to deliver more, it must provide the means to do so.
Improving the way costs are measured
One of the most important issues under discussion concerns how practice expenses are measured.
The reality experienced by dental practices often bears little resemblance to the inflation measures currently used within funding calculations. Materials, equipment, staffing, compliance and energy costs can rise at rates much faster than headline inflation figures suggest.
We are making the case for a more accurate approach that better reflects the realities of running a dental practice in Wales. Better evidence should lead to better funding decisions.
Addressing the long-term decline in dental earnings
Members have consistently highlighted the impact of years of below-inflation settlements on dental earnings.
While annual contract uplifts are important, they do not address the cumulative impact of sustained real-terms reductions over many years. We believe there needs to be a longer-term conversation about restoring the value of NHS dental remuneration and ensuring dentistry remains an attractive and rewarding career within the NHS.
Without action, recruitment and retention challenges are likely to continue.
Making sure the profession’s voice is heard
The negotiation process itself also matters. That is why we have insisted on a full complement of Welsh General Dental Practice Committee members being represented at the table this year.
Effective negotiations depend on the profession being fully represented. If outcomes that work for both the profession and patients are to be delivered, the full range of views and experience must be reflected in discussions with government.
We will continue to advocate for a process where your concerns are heard and reflected in discussions with the Welsh Government.
Standing up for NHS dentistry in Wales
These negotiations are about more than percentages and formulas. They are about the future of NHS dentistry in Wales.
Our message to Welsh Government is straightforward: investment in NHS dentistry must reflect the realities of providing care.
Our message to Welsh Government is straightforward: investment in NHS dentistry must reflect the realities of providing care. As negotiations continue, we will keep making that case on behalf of practice owners, associates, dental care professionals and every member of the dental team.
We know the pressures you are facing. We will continue fighting for a sustainable future for NHS dentistry in Wales.
