An overwhelming majority of BDA voters had backed moves to take part in industrial action. Plans were postponed to give negotiations at the conciliation service ACAS a chance.
The BDA has now written to NHS trusts in England to inform them of the following planned industrial action:
• 8am, Tuesday 12 January to 8am, Wednesday 13 January - emergency care only
• 8am, Tuesday 26 January to 8am, Thursday 28 January - emergency care only
• 8am to 5pm, Wednesday 10 February - full withdrawal of labour
BDA Chair Mick Armstrong said:
“We wanted to see real progress towards a contract that could work for patients and practitioners. Regrettably, the Department of Health has been unwilling to compromise on the fundamentals, on safe working and unsocial hours.
“Next week will see colleagues take industrial action for the very first time. These hospital dentists form a small but vital part of our NHS, but their dispute matters to every healthcare professional. Dentists and doctors will not stand by and see patients and practitioners put at risk.
“Industrial action is always a last resort, and one we sincerely hoped could have been avoided. We have been left with little choice but to take this step in the face of government intransigence.”
Claire Harwood, an oral surgery trainee based in Sheffield added:
“I wasn’t looking to be a pioneer, and clearly this isn’t a decision any of my colleagues have taken lightly. We regret any disruption this action will cause to our patients, but we are determined to stand with our medical colleagues and fight for our health service, and for a contract that’s fair and safe.”