Pay in Scotland

LAST UPDATED: 13 August 2026

How does the DDRBs recent recommendation on pay affect me?

On 25 March 2026, the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body (DDRB) published its 54th report. The DDRB has recommended a 3.75% uplift on pay for high street General Dental Practitioners and for Public Dental Service dentists. It has also recommended a 3.5% uplift for hospital dentists.

This pay recommendation excludes resident dentists, as a separate pay and contract reform offer was made to this group by the Scottish Government and this offer was accepted on 11 February 2026.

We have set out how the DDRB’s recommendation might affect you in as much detail as is possible at this stage.

NHS employed dentists

The Scottish Government has confirmed a 3.5% uplift to basic pay across NHS medical and dental staff and a 3.75% uplift to Public Dental Service dentists, as detailed in the pay circular. These uplifts to pay scales will be backdated to 1 April 2026.

Resident dentists

A separate pay and contract reform offer was made by the Scottish Government and published on 9 January 2026. This offer was accepted on 11 February 2026.

NHS General Dental Practitioners

The Scottish Government has yet to announce the pay award for general dental practitioners for 2026-7.

Related news

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.

Scotland: Prior approval and mandatory training changes announced

The Scottish Government have said Payment Reform was intended as a first step in ensuring sustainability of NHS dental services. The announcement made in PCA(D)(2026)2 outlines the next steps in the reform programme for NHS dental services.

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.

Scotland: Pay award announced for NHS General Dental Practitioners

Details of the new pay award, and when it will be implemented.

Updates to the Scottish Dental Access Initiative and Recruitment and Retention Allowance

The latest remuneration changes in Scotland.

Pay Award announced for NHS GDP and PDS Dentists in Scotland

Details of the new pay award and when it will be implemented.

Pensions for Armed Forces Reservists

Reservists in the Forces between 2000-2015 may be entitled to backdated membership to the non-contributory Armed Forces pension schemes.

Still awaiting uplift confirmation on NHS GDP uplifts

Governments across the UK are yet to confirm the figure for the uplift to apply to NHS general dental practice fees and contracts.

Tell us about the pressures you face in our short GDP survey

We want to understand your views on NHS pay, dentists leaving the field, and patient access to vital services. Make sure your voice gets heard at the most pivotal moment for the profession in decades.

Scotland: Accessible information for maternity leave payments

Dentists in Scotland told us that more accessible information on maternity leave payment arrangements was needed, so we worked with Practitioner Services Division (PSD) to deliver just that.