Major changes to dental nurse pay and development revealed by mydentist

03 April 2018
Volume 31 · Issue 6

mydentist, the largest network of dental practices in Europe, has announced a £2.5mil investment in an industry-leading career progression programme with pay increases for its 4,000 dental nurses.

Effective from April 1, all qualified dental nurses at mydentist will receive a guaranteed minimum hourly rate of £8.70, more than 11 per cent above the new National Living Wage.

mydentist is introducing five levels of nursing each with guaranteed minimum national pay rates.

The investment has been designed to recognise the importance of dental nurses in every practice and will reward and support them as they gain new skills and experience.

The new nursing structure includes student dental nurses, qualified dental nurses, qualified dental nurses with two plus years’ GDC registration, advanced dental nurses, and finally head dental nurses. Clear criteria for advancement between each role will support nurses in furthering their careers with training organised and provided by the mydentist academy.

Minimum hourly pay for each role will increase by up to 14 per cent. A full-time dental nurse earning the minimum rate will take home an extra £2,288 per year before tax when the changes take effect.

A £500 qualification bonus has also been introduced for student dental nurses. In January, 95 per cent of mydentist’s nurses passed their practical exam. This group will be the first to receive the new bonus once they register with the GDC.

Tom Riall, group chief executive at IDH Group, said, “Our nurses are extremely import and we want them to feel valued, rewarded and recognised for their hard work and to build their careers with us.

“This investment will ensure that our dental nurses across the UK will benefit from some of the most competitive rates of pay in the sector and a transparent progression programme that provides them with a clear vision of what they can achieve, the timescales involved and what they can expect to earn.”

mydentist currently has openings for dental nurses at every level in its practices nationwide. Details can be found online at www.mydentistcareers.co.uk