Pay in Scotland

LAST UPDATED: 12 October 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 accepted the recommendation of the 54th Report of the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration of a 3.75% increase on the pay element for GDPs as detailed in PCA(D)(2026)6. 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 1December 2026 and backdated to 1 April 2026.