Sir, I would like to express my internal conflict over my feelings towards the BDA-supported petition against the proposed cuts to future DFT salaries. I understand that newly qualified dentists should expect to earn in the region of £28,000 during their one year posts if the proposition is successful: a £2,000 reduction from current DFT earnings.

Whilst I completely agree with the profession's concerns raised in the petition, I question if any consideration has been given towards the fact that government cuts are affecting thousands of people in the UK, including the poor and vulnerable. The national average earnings last year were in the region of £26,500, a figure higher than I had initially expected. Nevertheless, a dentist who graduates from university will still expect to begin their career on a salary which is above the national average if the proposed cuts do materialise. After all, the DFT post is a one-year position which will see most dentists progressing to earning significantly more money in subsequent years.

I am concerned that we may be in danger of appearing as though we have lost our sense of perspective and any clumsy approach to the petition will be viewed by the public and government that dental professionals are solely concerned with their financial rewards. I am a fourth year mature undergraduate student who has worked minimum wage jobs throughout dental school to fund my studies. At the moment I am looking forward to a first proper pay day. Whether that is based on a £30,000 or £28,000 one-year salary, I do not really mind, as long as any funding cuts are made for good reasons.

1. Sheffield