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This page has frequently asked questions about changes to the salaried dentists' contract. How does it differ from what we had before? What does the new contract aim to do? How will you measure its impact? When will the changes be introduced? How will you ensure that the process is equitable for everyone? Why change the contract?The contract introduces a new pay and career structure for salaried primary care dentists to modernise careers for this staff group and improve patient care. It builds on the recommendations outlined in ‘Creating the Future – Modernising Careers for Salaried Dentists in Primary Care’, produced by the Department of Health in 2006, and aligns salaried dentists terms and conditions with those of other clinical groups. How does it differ from what we had before?The new terms and conditions include a new single pay spine to replace the existing four-grade structure. There is also mandatory annual appraisal and job planning to support a new competency framework, and a 37 ½ hour working week to align salaried dentists with other clinical groups. The new terms and conditions include a new single pay spine to replace the existing four-grade structure. There is also mandatory annual appraisal and job planning to support a new competency framework, and a 37 ½ hour working week to align salaried dentists with other clinical groups. What does the new contract aim to do?It aims to support career development for salaried dentists and deliver high quality patient care. The contract aims to ensure that skills are used more efficiently, encourage higher levels of competency and improve the quality of clinical leadership. It also aligns their terms and conditions with those of other clinical groups, with a single pay spine and a 37 ½ hour week. .
How will you measure its impact?
The revised contract will support a relatively small but key group of dental practitioners who are often working in particularly challenging healthcare settings and dealing with vulnerable groups. The new contract aims to support recruitment and retention with structured career development, whilst giving more clarity on roles and competencies. Ultimately it aims to ensure that we continue to attract people to these important salaried dental posts to provide continuity of high quality patient care. When will the changes be introduced?
The key dates for implementation are:
Who does the contract cover?
The contract covers all dentists working in salaried primary dental care services in How will you ensure that the process is equitable for everyone?
We have produced clear guidance for employers and staff to ensure that the new process is fair and transparent. The guidance covers the annual appraisal and job planning process, and the evidence required to show that the individual has the competencies for the role. This has been developed by NHS Employers and the British Dental Association who are the professional association and trade union for dentists in the Pages in this sectionFAQs: in practice FAQs: implementation FAQs: areas for employers Last reviewed 6 Feb 2008 |
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