Dentist performers working in independent practices have access to practitioner benefits under the national health service pension scheme. These are calculated on a career average re-valued earnings basis of 1.4 per cent. of their total pensionable pay with a fixed lump sum of 4.2 per cent. of total pensionable pay. Dental nurses employed by independent practices are not entitled to membership of the NHS pension scheme.
Salaried dentists and dental nurses directly employed by NHS trusts or primary care trusts qualify for benefits calculated on the best year of the last three years pensionable pay. This provides a pension based on 1/80 of their salary for each year of service with a fixed lump sum of three times the pension.
All such members have a normal pension age of 60.