Dental Employment Arrangements

DENTIST GRADING
Principle - Are practice owners they can work as contractors to the NHS or as a Private dentist or a combination of both, mixed practice.
Associates – Enter financial arrangements with a principle, they work for the NHS or Private clinic.
Assistants - (Performers) are employees of other dentist, they have their own contract To facilitate NHS work.
Vocational Trainees – A trainee is trained in an approved practice for 1 year, this is a salaried position, after 1 year they obtain a VT number which allows them to be an associate or a principle.
Employee in the hospital or community services – Dentists employed by the Hospital, PCT, or community service.
 
ASSOCIATESHIPS
Once a dentist has a VT number they can become an associate. An associate can enter into financial arrangements with principles and other associates of equal standing. There are a number of financial arrangements between dentist aimed at sharing the work load and splitting the fees equally.
 
ASSISTANTS
An assistant dentist is employed directly by the practice and is the responsibility of the practice owner not the PCT.
Assistants should have a written contract which outlines the terms and conditions of their employment. They are paid monthly with Tax and National Insurance being deducted at source.