Starting in November 2024, hospital dental trainees in England will receive an average pay increase of 22.3% over the next two years. This pay uplift marks a significant achievement following a two-year industrial action campaign across both the dental and medical sectors.
The final pay offer, presented by the government, was overwhelmingly accepted by 87% of hospital dental trainees through a referendum, bringing the long-running industrial action to an official close. This is a major victory for dental professionals, reflecting the power of collective action in securing better working conditions.
The industrial action that culminated in this agreement was not an easy journey. Negotiations between the government, the British Dental Association (BDA), and the British Medical Association (BMA) began in July 2024.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting called this agreement a "crucial step forward" for the NHS, highlighting the importance of the deal in moving beyond a period of industrial unrest. He stated, “Strikes have had a significant cost to patients, staff, and the NHS. Serious work is now underway to finally bring them to an end.”
For the BDA, this pay uplift is just the beginning of what they see as a longer fight to restore the value of dental professionals' pay. Pay erosion has been a critical issue, with estimates suggesting that the average dentist has seen their real-term pay cut by more than 40% since 2008/09. The pay uplift is seen as the first step toward reversing years of financial decline in the profession.
The BDA emphasised the crucial role their members played in securing this deal, stating, "Our members should be proud of their part in this campaign, which included standing on picket lines with their medical colleagues. Their engagement was pivotal in securing the offer that has now been accepted."
The pay increase includes backdated pay to April 1, 2024, as part of the doctors’ and dentists’ review body recommendations. In July, the government announced that salaried dentists and doctors would receive a 6% pay increase. This includes:
The recent pay uplift for hospital dental trainees in England will have a significant impact on the profession, starting with a boost in morale and job satisfaction among trainees. For years, dental trainees have faced pay disparities, working in a demanding healthcare environment without adequate compensation to match their efforts. This increase over two years sends a strong message that their hard work is valued and recognised. As a result, it is expected to enhance job satisfaction, as trainees will feel more secure and motivated in their roles, knowing they are being fairly compensated for their contributions.
The pay uplift is also likely to have a positive effect on recruitment and retention within the dental profession. For some time, the dental sector has struggled to attract and retain skilled professionals due to stagnant wages and challenging working conditions. This pay increase could make dental roles more appealing to new entrants, offering them a more attractive career path with better financial rewards. It may also encourage current dental trainees to remain in the profession, reducing turnover rates and ensuring a steady supply of experienced professionals in the future.
In the long term, this uplift benefits not only dental trainees but also the entire healthcare system. With better compensation, trainees will likely experience less financial stress, enabling them to focus more on patient care and professional development. A more satisfied and stable workforce can lead to improved patient outcomes, as trainees are more engaged and committed to their roles. Additionally, the healthcare system benefits from retaining skilled professionals who are critical to maintaining the quality of dental services in hospitals and clinics across the country. Ultimately, this pay uplift serves as a vital step towards strengthening the dental profession and ensuring its sustainability for years to come.
While the acceptance of the pay offer is a significant milestone, the BDA and its members remain committed to further campaigning to address pay erosion that has impacted the dental profession for over 15 years. This recent success is a clear indication that organised efforts can yield results, and dental professionals are more united than ever in advocating for fair compensation and better working conditions.
As we look ahead, this pay uplift marks the beginning of a new chapter for hospital dental trainees, and the dental profession as a whole, with hopes of continued improvements in pay and working conditions.
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