Responding to announcements on the minimum wage in last week’s budget, Tiffany Gillies, Assistant Director of Operations at Community Union, said:
“We welcome the increase in the minimum wage in last week’s budget, and the Labour government’s wider intent to move towards a genuine living wage for all workers.
“At the same time, inadequate pay continues to blight dental nursing as a profession, and remains a significant barrier to progression and recruitment and retention within the sector.
“As things stand, there is no provision to cover dental nurses’ renumeration in the NHS budget, so these vital workers are left entirely to the discretion of their direct employers when it comes to pay. That has left the door open for unequal pay practices and huge inconsistency in wages across different practices.
“Something needs to change, and as the union for dental nurses Community will continue to push the government for proper recognition and reward for our members. The gaping and deeply unfair pay disparities within the dental profession must end.”
Join the union for dental nurses today
At Community, we fight to protect our members working across dental practices in the UK and support them with issues around dealing with workplace bullying, pay and wages, contracts, holidays, sickness and leave and more. As a member of Community, you can go to work and feel safe knowing that we are here to fight your corner when you need us.
© Community Trade Union 2026
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