The Scottish Government has accepted the recommendation of the 54th Report of the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB) of a 3.75% increase on the pay element for GDPs.
Our position
As in previous years, we again called for the Scottish Government to apply the pay uplift to the full package of remuneration in the Statement of Dental Remuneration (SDR), but they did not implement this.
Also, the Scottish Government did not act upon the DDRB recommendation to negotiate the expenses/cost of care element of the uplift directly with the Scottish Dental Practice Committee.
Details of the uplift
As in previous years, the increase on pay will apply to gross item of service fees (general and orthodontic fees) and capitation payments. The pay award will be implemented from 1 December 2026 and backdated to 1 April 2026.
The pay award will be included in the November paid December 2026 schedule for claims with an acceptance date on or after 1 December 2026.
Backdated payments will be included in the January paid February 2027 schedule for claims with an acceptance date from 1 April 2026 to 30 November 2026.
Updates have been made to the following.
Determination I - Prior Approval
The prior approval limit for orthodontic treatment will increase from £600 to £685.The new prior approval limit will apply to courses of treatment with an acceptance date on or after 1 December 2026.
Determination IX - Commitment Payments
Thresholds for commitment payments are increased in line with fee awards on an annual basis, and as such, the commitment payment thresholds will increase by 3.75%. This will be effective from 1 January 2027. The first payment schedule affected by this change will be the March paid April 2027 payment schedule.
Amendments to Determination XIV - Practice Allowances, Part I – General Dental Practice Allowance
The amount of General Dental Practice Allowance which can be paid to practices has been increased by 3.75%, to a maximum of £23,738 per quarter. This change will be effective from 1 January 2027. The first payment schedule affected by this change will be the March paid April 2027 payment schedule.
All dentists should familiarise themselves with the amendments to the SDR and the associated Scottish Government Circular concerning Primary Care Administration (PCA), which is PCA(D)(2026)6.
Further information
Should you have any enquiries arising from the PCA, they should be taken up with your NHS Board.
Extra and Expert members can contact the team for one-to-one advice by calling 020 7935 0875 or by emailing us at [email protected].