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 2027/28 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

Scotland: Download our 2026-27 fees guide

The 2026-27 BDA fees guide is now available for members in Scotland.

England: Austerity pay awards will fuel exodus from NHS

Government plans for an upper limit of 2.4% on pay awards represent a clear failure to confront the pressures fuelling the exodus of dentists away from NHS care.

Northern Ireland: GDS payment reform update

The true cost to deliver care must be the starting point for payment reform.

Scotland: Pay award announced for NHS General Dental Practitioners

Northern Ireland: Scale of funding gap sinking Health Service dentistry confirmed

Read the newly published Cost-of-Service Report, and the next steps.

Northern Ireland: Urgent update sought on DDRB implementation

We have requested an urgent update on progress being made to implement this year’s pay award and associated recommendations in a joint letter from BDA NI Chairs to Health Minister Robbie Butler.

England: Government exempt quality improvement and appraisals from uplifts

Officials take a pick-and-mix approach to supporting contract holders.

Northern Ireland: Assembly unanimous on need for urgency to deal with dental crisis

Members of the Legislative Assembly have passed an Assembly motion calling on the Minister of Health to develop a new oral health strategy to reform dental services, address workforce challenges and expedite dental payment reform. Also, to introduce specific measures to address barriers to accessing dental care in all communities.

Northern Ireland: Campaign for fair pay for hospital dentists

We are seeking the views of our HDS NI members - Residents, Specialty, Associate Specialist, and Specialist (SAS) and Consultants - on the latest pay position.

Scotland: Pre-election period commences without DDRB announcement

The Scottish Government is yet to respond to Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration 54th report.

Northern Ireland: NI Executive urged to act decisively to support dentistry

Our work pressing for timely payments, and a reminder of key payment dates.

England: Government set to undermine above-inflation pay recommendation

DDRB have made their recommendations on pay, which officials are set to undo by failing to reflect the mounting cost of delivering NHS care.

Exclusive member benefit

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Pay