Junior hospital dentists in England will be balloted on industrial action as the government prepares to impose a flawed contract.

This is the first time members of the dental profession have been asked to consider industrial action, their trade union the British Dental Association (BDA) announced on 9 October.

These NHS dentists are employed on the same terms of service as junior doctors, who are set to be balloted by the British Medical Association (BMA).

Peter Dyer, Chair of the BDA's Central Committee for Hospital Dental Staff, said: 'From the start doctors and dentists have asked for a fair contract, one that works for patients and practitioners. We are taking this step because the government is now set to impose a contract that fails both tests.

‘Our profession has never gone down the road of industrial action before. We have not taken this decision lightly, but an unprecedented attack on our members’ interests requires an unprecedented response. It is now vital that all the NHS dentists affected by this contract have their say.'

Mick Armstrong, Chair of the BDA, said: 'These professionals form a small, but vital part of our NHS. This contract is bad for them, their families and their patients. It's bad for the oral health of Britain.

'Hospitals are at crisis point dealing with record numbers of children requiring oral surgery. This contract represents a frontal assault on an already overstretched workforce. These dentists don't expect special treatment, just a fair deal, and industrial action may now be necessary in order to achieve it.

‘All healthcare professionals have a stake in this. We are determined to stand up for the next generation, and secure a contract that won't put their futures or patient care in jeopardy.’

Further information is available on the BDA website.