‘Golden hello' scheme launched with aim to boost NHS dentistry

The NHS is encouraging local dental practices with the highest demand to hire new dentists using a new recruitment incentive scheme. 

Around 240 dentists will be offered bonus payments of up to £20,000 to work in under-served areas for up to three years, with NHS guidance issued to practices today to encourage them to advertise the “golden hello” scheme.

The scheme - first announced in the dental recovery plan - will fund incentives for up to 240 dentists who join practices that can prove they have found it difficult to recruit staff. Golden hello payments will be phased over three years - £10,000 in the first year and £5,000 each for the next two, to persuade them to stay in the area.

Guidance for the scheme sets minimum levels of units of dental activity (UDAs) they expect recruits to carry out dependent on their experience:

  • Level 1: Overseas dentists approved to work here: By negotiation but suggested range of between 3,200 to 5,000 UDAs in their first year

  • Level 2: Dentist with less than three years full registration: 5,000 UDAs

  • Level 3: Dentist with three or more years of full registration: 6,000 UDAs.

Dentists can be recruited on a part-time basis and receive a pro-rata incentive and adjusted UDAs.

These differences mean it will be important for you to check what type of new recruits (if any) are joining your area, in terms of the expected impact on extra NHS appointment slots for patients.

Practices will be invited by their ICB to express an interest to take part, the NHSE guidance states.

The public can check on nhs.uk if their local dental practice is taking on new patients, with more practices signing up to treat patients who have not been seen within the last two years, thanks to the plan.

You can also contact your local Healthwatch to get information and guidance and can find your local Healthwatch here.  

ECS