The report sets out the DDRB’s recommendations for doctors’ and dentists’ pay in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It provides independent advice on the pay of doctors and dentists in the NHS and HSC to the prime minister and health secretary, as well as other relevant stakeholders.
The association has said it welcomes the report’s earlier publication which could help providers and practitioners plan for the year ahead by giving them greater certainty over contractual payments. However, it has said the government must prioritise confirming the dentistry contract uplift.
Neil Carmichael, executive chair of the ADG, said, “We appreciate the DDRB publishing their report earlier than in previous years and call upon NHS England (NHSE) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to act quickly now - to confirm and pay the recommended uplift for dental contracts.
“More than ever being ‘swift-footed’ is crucial given the National Insurance impacts and other expense increases that have already come into effect from April 2025. We support the recommendation from the DDRB that the government should cease to use the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) deflator for uprating the expense element of the dental contract and should develop a new index of dental costs. We are glad to see that the DDRB is aiming for transparency and engaging all stakeholders.
“The ADG is ready to work with the DHSC and NHSE to develop an index of dental costs. In the meantime, the ADG is also calling on NHSE to consider whether other metrics could be applied for the 2025/26 pay review pending wider consultation.”
The ADG has also welcomed the report’s acknowledgment of the importance of Community and Public Dental Services. The association supports the recommendation of a review of pay and progression for salaried dentists in these services.