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Average NHS dentist earns six-figure salary Daily Telegraph 14th September 2008
Yes, some do, some earn 200 000 some earn a lot less. However, the main error in this article is the claim about a 13% increase. The article refers to the accounting period from April 2006 to April 2007. On April 1st 2006 a new accounting method was implemented in the way dentists are paid. before April 1st 2006 dentists were paid in arrears, after April 1st 2006 they were paid in advance. This means that about 2 months wages have been added to the 2006/2007 accounting year. Also, if dentists didn't reach their new targets then money has to paid back the next year. These two amounts are not included in the figures. Actual increase/decrease for the 2006/2007 period can be calculated by subtracting the payments paid in arrears after April 2006 due from the 2005/2006 year and subtracting the claw back payments paid by NHS dentists back to the government in the 2007/2008 period.
Inserting the amounts of my own NHS contract, the government method of calculation shows that I had an increase of 12.5% gross fees.
Removing amounts paid in areas from 2005/2006 and subsequent claw back from 2007/2008 I actually had a pay cut of 11% for the same amount of work.
The figures for 2007/2008, when they come out next year will not include arrears and will include claw back hence should be much more accurate. I guess the government will claim that their policies have brought the dentist pay back into line following the 13% increase last year etc:-(
NHS bill from lawyers 'soaring' BBC 12th September 2008
One of the biggest factors pushing up the cost of dentistry in this country is litigation.
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