Dentists to receive pay rise this autumn
The rise ranges from approximately £2,030 to £4,294 per annum
NHS dentists will receive an above-inflation pay uplift of 3.5% at the end of September, after the Scottish Government agreed to implement recommendations from an independent pay review board.
Salaried community and public dental workers will receive a 3.75% pay uplift, “recognising particular challenges within those services,” said the Government.
The pay increases, which impact more than 10,000 NHS employees, including GPs and consultants, will be backdated to 1 April. For dentists in the public dental service, the increase ranges from approximately £2,030 to £4,294 per annum.
Health Secretary Angela Constance outlined the pay awards in a letter to the British Medical Association as she confirmed full acceptance of the recommended pay uplifts by the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB).
Ms Constance said: “I’m grateful to all consultants, GPs, SAS doctors and dentists for the invaluable contribution they make to the people of Scotland in delivering safe, effective and high-quality care across our communities.
“It is, therefore, right that we recognise this by accepting the independent findings of the DDRB to deliver an equitable and affordable pay deal – one that is in line with other public sector pay awards for 2026-27.
“We remain committed to a fair, evidence-based and independent approach to pay awards and in accepting the DDRB recommendations in full, we are supporting recruitment and retention.
“This will help to ensure that NHS Scotland remains an attractive place to work, while balancing the need for financial sustainability across the public sector.”
The Review Body is an independent body which advises the UK Government and the devolved administrations on pay for doctors and dentists across the United Kingdom.
Its recommendations are informed by evidence submitted by governments, employers, NHS organisations and professional representative bodies, including the BMA and dental representatives.