The Scottish Government has accepted a recommended 3.75% pay increase for general dental practitioners, but the BDA has warned this does not apply to the full remuneration package.
The award follows the recommendation of the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB) in its latest report and will take effect from 1 December 2026, backdated to 1 April 2026.
The British Dental Association (BDA) pointed out that it had again called for the increase to cover the full package of remuneration set out in the Statement of Dental Remuneration (SDR), rather than just the pay element.
It also highlighted that the Scottish Government had not acted on the DDRB’s recommendation to negotiate the expenses and cost-of-care element directly with the Scottish Dental Practice Committee.
The 3.75% uplift will apply to gross item-of-service fees, including general dental and orthodontic fees, as well as capitation payments.
The increase will be reflected in the December 2026 payment schedule for claims accepted from 1 December, while backdated payments covering claims accepted between 1 April and 30 November will be made in February 2027.
Several other changes to the SDR have also been announced.
The prior approval limit for orthodontic treatment will rise from £600 to £685 for courses of treatment accepted from 1 December 2026.
Thresholds for commitment payments will increase by 3.75% from 1 January 2027, with the change first reflected in payments made in April.
The maximum General Dental Practice Allowance will also rise by 3.75% to £23,738 per quarter from January 2027, with the first affected payments made in April.
Dentists have been advised to familiarise themselves with the updated SDR and the accompanying Scottish Government circular, PCA(D)(2026)6.
In England, the Department of Health and Social Care has called for a 2.4% pay uplift.