The British Medical Association, the British Dental Association and NHS Employers have jointly agreed proposals for a new contract for staff grade and associate specialist (SAS) doctors and dentists. SAS doctors and dentists will be balloted on whether to accept these proposals in the New Year, subject to approval from the four UK Health Departments and the Government's Public Sector Pay Committee.

Keith Altman, Chair of the British Dental Association's Central Committee for Hospital Dental Services, said, “The British Dental Association advises dentists to attend the road shows that are being organised to explain these proposals. It is for individual dentists to decide whether to vote in favour or against these proposals based on the information provided to them.” Heather Lawrence, Chief Executive at Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare and chair of the NHS Employers negotiating team said, “We are delighted that we now have an agreement on the new contract.”