This is largely to fund pay increases for practice staff earning less than £21,000 a year, in line with the Government’s public sector pay policy.
As part of a package of changes, dentists will be expected to work closely with local commissioners of care to prepare for moves to a national contract based on capitation, quality and registration; this includes a further move to fully computerised practice systems and a nationally consistent approach to contract management.
Further information can be found in a letter from Chief Dental Officer Barry Cockroft to the Chair of the General Dental Practice Committee of the British Dental Association.