Monday 1 Sep 2025
Northern Ireland: Update on DDRB, Expenses and Cost-of-Service Review
Minister responds as clarity sought on a range of GDS issues.
Up to date information on dentists' pay in Northern Ireland and what it means for you.
LAST UPDATED: 10 June 2025
On 22 May 2025, the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body (DDRB) published its 53rd report recommending an uplift of 4% to the pay element of NHS contracts and to employed dentists’ salaries, and an additional consolidated uplift of £750 to pay points for resident dentists.
The Government has now accepted the DDRB recommendation. Wishing to avoid a repeat of last year’s delay, the Minister has taken the unprecedented step of issuing a Ministerial direction despite the £600m deficit in the health budget.
The Health Minister has signed off on DDRB recommendations by issuing a Ministerial Direction while the funding is still to be found to make payment.