BDA criticises delays in implementing increase

The British Dental Association (BDA) in Northern Ireland has said that the recent 1 per cent pay uplift does not go far enough to address the falling morale of dentists in NI.

The association’s submission to the Doctors and Dentists Review Body (DDRB) said that all dentists should receive at least a 1 per cent pay increase. The DDRB recommended a 1 per cent uplift on pay net of expenses, and the government has now confirmed that it intends to apply a 1.13 per cent increase to all gross remuneration figures including gross item of service fees and capitation/continuing care fees.

However, a BDA spokesman said: “BDA Northern Ireland has highlighted the problem of the significant delays between the DDRB’s reporting, the Department of Health’s announcement, and the actual implementation of uplifts for dentists.

“The delay and uncertainty around pay uplifts creates anxiety and stress among the profession delivering health services patient care in the context of falling incomes, rising expenses and increasing administrative and regulatory requirements.

“The morale of dentists in Northern Ireland is at a low level, according to the Government’s
own figures, and in comparison with the rest of the UK.”

Tags: BDA Northern Ireland, British Dental Association, Department of Health, Doctors and Dentists Review Body, fee increase, IDM, Ireland's Dental magazine, Jan 2017, January 2017