BDA-NHS dentistry compromised by pay award
The British Dental Association (BDA) has slammed the 0.21% gross pay uplift for NHS dentists announced today as failing dentists and patients.
Chair of the BDA’s General Dental Practice Committee (GDPC) John Milne said: “We appreciate that a measure of financial restraint is necessary in the current economic climate. Clearly, economic prudence is essential for everyone. But it’s also important to remember that high street dentists are running businesses that provide vital healthcare to millions of people. Those businesses must be properly funded so that they can invest in their premises and equipment to deliver the highest quality care to their patients.’
Based on a formula that takes decreased expenses into account, the 0.21% rise will actually amount to a 1.5% rise in net income.
But Milne added: “Sadly, the basis of the formula which suggests that the increase might amount to 1.5% in real terms does not take account of the effect of the devaluation of sterling and its effect on the prices of equipment and materials that are largely manufactured overseas. These expenses, and dentists’ ability to access the finance necessary to met them, are both adversely affected by the recession.”
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