FAQs: in practice

This page has frequently asked questions about how the proposed changes to the salaried dentists' contract will work in practice.

What is the link between pay and demonstrable competencies?

What are 'demonstrable competencies'?

How will people move from the old contract to the new one?

Where are the competencies for band C specialist dentists defined?

What is the link between pay and demonstrable competencies?

Pay progression will be based on evidence of delivery against five defined competency domains, achieving agreed objectives and completing a satisfactory appraisal.  The five competency domains are clinical, communications, management and leadership, teaching and training, and professionalism.   

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What are 'demonstrable competencies'?

There are five broad competency domains - clinical, communications, management and leadership, professionalism, and teaching and training –which are the same for all three bands with detailed competencies within each domain.  For example for Band A general dentists, within the clinical domain, individuals need to demonstrate a range of competencies such as being able to identify common medical emergencies and lead the dental team in managing these.

Full details can be found in the summary agreement.

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How will people move from the old contract to the new one?

We need to allow some time to implement the new contract in trusts but we are aiming for all staff to fully move to the new contract within a twelve month period.  An individual’s first appraisal under the new contract will start to introduce the new process by confirming that the employee is meeting the competencies for the level. 

An appraisal timetable is included in the summary agreement.  

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Where are the competencies for band C specialist dentists defined?

Clinical competencies for specialist dentists are determined by the Royal Colleges

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