The result of the consultative vote saw 81.7% vote in favour of the offer. The turnout was 71.3% for BDA and BMA members who were eligible to vote.
This year, hospital dentists in training in Scotland will receive a pay rise of 12.4% backdated to April.
For the following three financial years negotiations will take place with the Scottish Government that must “make credible progress” in real terms towards full pay restoration to 2008 levels. Inflation will be guaranteed as the floor for each round of ongoing negotiation.
In addition, the Government has committed to agreeing a new pay review mechanism with junior doctors – the aim of which is to reach a “mutually agreeable path to achieve pay restoration and prevent erosion recurring in the future” – effectively withdrawing junior doctors and dentists in training in Scotland from the Doctors and Dentists Pay Review Body (DDRB).
Finally, contract negotiations will commence with the Scottish Government from autumn this year, with the aim of improving the working and training conditions of junior doctors and dentists in training in Scotland by April 2026.
Alongside our BMA colleagues we recommended members accept this offer as the best next step in the ongoing campaign for full pay restoration.