BDA hits out at salary cuts for dental foundation trainees

The British Dental Association (BDA) has criticised the government over plans to reduce the amount paid to dental foundation trainees in future.

Proposals from the Department of Health to reduce the salary of trainees as a means of creating efficiency savings have been outlined as part of wider plans involving exploring amendments to maternity, paternity and sickness leave pay, while also pursuing further computerisation of dental practices.

The BDA said it will be seeking full details of the proposals, noting that dentistry is already facing acute financial pressures that need to be acknowledged. It has already hit out at the government's refusal of recommendations for uplifts for independent contractor and employed dentists.

Dr Mick Armstrong, chair of the BDA's principal executive committee, said the new plans will impact people at the start of their careers, many of whom will have graduated with significant levels of debt.

He added: "The stated proposal to reduce the salary paid to dental foundation trainees will sound alarm bells across the profession."

This comes after the industry organisation raised concerns about the shortage of permanent posts available to those completing dental training earlier this year.