BDA welcomes junior doctors’ contract breakthrough

The British Dental Association (BDA) has responded positively to the recent breakthrough in the talks over a new junior doctors' contract.

Following months of disagreement and strike action, the British Medical Association and health secretary Jeremy Hunt reached a compromise deal last week during talks at the conciliation service Acas.

Hospital dentists employed on the same terms of service as junior doctors have participated at every stage of the recent industrial action, meaning the breakthrough represents an important milestone for dental professionals.

With hospital dentists having been the first members of the dental profession to take part in industrial action, BDA members subject to the contract will now be called upon to take part in a referendum to approve the deal.

The BDA has given a positive verdict on the revised terms, saying they meet the needs of a safe and fair contract that have been demanded throughout the dispute.

Peter Dyer, chair of the BDA's central committee for hospital dental services, said: "We now have a sound agreement and a way to resolve this dispute. We will now be looking to our members to have the final say."