NHS Dental Nurse salary, 2026/27
Dental nurses support dentists and dental therapists in surgery, preparing instruments, taking impressions, supporting patient care and maintaining infection control. The role requires GDC registration and a relevant qualification. Most NHS dental nurses are banded at 3 or 4, in hospital dental services or community dental services.
- Range (England)
- £25,760 to £31,157
- Typical bands
- Band 3, Band 4
- Hourly entry
- £13.17
- Hourly top
- £15.93
Dental Nurse pay by band, England 2026/27
The table below shows the entry and top step at each band Dental Nurses are typically paid on. Most Dental Nurses move through the bands over the course of their career as they take on more senior or specialist responsibilities.
Dental Nurse pay in Scotland
Scottish NHS staff are paid on a separate pay scale, negotiated by the Scottish Government rather than the UK Pay Review Body. Scotland consistently pays more than England at every band. The figures below are the Scottish equivalents for the same bands.
Common questions
- What pay band is a Dental Nurse on?
- NHS Dental Nurses sit at Band 3 or Band 4 depending on experience and the specific responsibilities of the role. Newly qualified Dental Nurses usually start on the lowest banding shown, with progression to the higher bands as they take on more senior or specialist work.
- How much does an NHS Dental Nurse earn in 2026/27?
- On the 2026/27 England pay scale, an NHS Dental Nurse earns between £25,760 and £31,157 a year gross, depending on band and step. At the lowest entry rate that works out to roughly £13.17 an hour, and at the top rate roughly £15.93 an hour. Take-home pay after tax, NI and the NHS pension contribution is typically 70% of the gross figure. Scottish Dental Nurses earn between £29,103 and £34,303 on the equivalent Scottish scale.
- Where can I find Dental Nurse jobs in the NHS?
- NHS Jobs (jobs.nhs.uk) lists all current vacancies across the four UK nations. Filter by 'Pay Band' to focus on roles at the band you're interested in. HSC Recruit covers Northern Ireland (jobs.hscni.net) and NHS Scotland Jobs covers Scotland (jobs.scot.nhs.uk). Most Trusts also list vacancies on their own websites alongside the national portal.
- Does Dental Nurse get London weighting?
- Only at NHS Trusts in England inside one of the three London weighting (HCAS) zones. Dental Nurses working at Inner London Trusts get 20% on top of basic pay (minimum £5,794, maximum £8,746 for 2026/27). Outer London is 15%, Fringe is 5%. Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish Dental Nurses don't receive a London weighting equivalent.