Community dentists in Northern Ireland give thumbs up to new dental contract
Community dentists have given a massive endorsement to a new contract negotiated by the British Dental Association (BDA) and agreed by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS NI).
Ninety six per cent of dentists in community dental services voted to accept a contract that will see their pay rise on average by 4.4 per cent and backdated to April, 2015. For the first time, community dentists in Northern Ireland will be able to access a dedicated training fund of £750 each to ensure continuous professional development in line with contracts in England and Wales.
The new contract comes in to force on April 1, 2016 after nearly seven years of lobbying with the DHSSPS NI.
Grainne Quinn, chair of the BDA’s Northern Ireland Salaried Dentists Committee, said:
“We have worked hard for a fair and progressive contract and we are delighted that it has won the overwhelming support of community dentists.
“The backdating of pay to April, 2015 is welcome news, and the introduction of an annual allowance of £750 for dedicated professional training means we are now employed on an equal footing to our colleagues in England and Wales.
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