NHS vs Private Dental Nurse Salary
The annual salary for dental nurses varies mostly depending on experience rather than the type of practice worked in. However, there can be some discrepancies. This blog aims to break down the discrepancies in pay and benefits for dental nurses in the public vs private sector.
What is the private dental nurse salary?
The average dental nurse in the UK earns between £23,000 and £35,000 depending on experience. The lowest salary banding is the average salary for entry level dental nurses, while the higher salary banding is the average salary for more experienced dental nurses.
In the NHS, entry-level dental nurses begin between band 3 and band 4 of the NHS Agenda for charge. The salaries within these bands are subject to change. For more of a thorough breakdown of NHS dental nurse salaries, we have a comprehensive guide here.
While it is generally assumed that private dental nurse salaries are higher, this is not always the case. For example, NHS hospital dental nurses often have the opportunity to work more overtime hours, which increases their overall salary.
Private dental practices generally have more flexibility in setting salaries based on demand and revenue. But this does not mean that they always will pay more per hour.
Is it worth considering becoming a private dental nurse for the salary?
It is worth noting that not all private practices will pay you more than NHS dental nursing work. It is therefore important to consider other factors of the role, such as your day-to-day and how that will look.
Additionally, dental professionals working for the NHS may also gain access to impressive benefits such as a generous pension package, maternity/paternity leave and sick pay. Private practices are not obligated to match this, and it is therefore essential to check your contract for these benefits before accepting.
Even if the hourly wage may seem slightly higher, they can work out less so if you accept fewer benefits.
How do conditions compare in the NHS to private dental nursing?
The general expectation is that dental nurse work in hospitals is busier and more fast-paced. The equipment used, appointment systems, and materials all differ from private practices.
For example, in NHS work, the treatment focuses more on functionality, opposed to cosmetic
What are the extra learning opportunities like in private dental nursing vs the NHS?
Regardless of whether you work at a private dental practice or an NHS dental nurse role, there are still excellent opportunities to expand your career to different places.
Once you are qualified there is a wide range of courses that you can use to improve your career prospects, such as post registration courses like dental radiography, dental implants, or dental sedation. Regardless of your previous experience, these courses are invaluable for professional development and progress to apply for Dental Hygiene and Therapy at the universities.
Final word
Ultimately, it is not guaranteed that working at a private dentists practice guarantees more money. Our advice as dental nurse training advisors is to ensure that you are satisfied by your day to day dental nursing role, and are fulfilled providing patient care.
From the salary surveys we have seen, the best way to improve your pay is by utilising every professional development opportunity you can, focus on additional skill development, and push yourself out of your comfort zone.