Junior dentists balloted on industrial action

This is the first time members of the dental profession have been asked to consider industrial action, their trade union the British Dental Association (BDA) announced today. 

These NHS dentists are employed on the same terms of service as junior doctors, who are set to be balloted by the British Medical Association (BMA).

Peter Dyer, chair of the BDA’s Central Committee for Hospital Dental Staff, said:

“From the start doctors and dentists have asked for a fair contract, one that works for patients and practitioners. We are taking this step because the government is now set to impose a contract that fails both tests.

“Our profession has never gone down the road of industrial action before. We have not taken this decision lightly, but an unprecedented attack on our members’ interests requires an unprecedented response. It is now vital that all the NHS dentists affected by this contract have their say.”

Mick Armstrong, chair of the BDA, said: