Assumptions and pay data
Pay data: NHS Agenda for Change. Band 4: £28,392 to £31,157 over 2 pay points, rates from 1/4/2026. Checked 9/10/2026.
- How we model progression: Many UK public sector pay scales use spine points (fixed salary steps within a band). Where the dataset has spine points, we assume you move up one point every X years (e.g. every 2 years). Where there are no spine points, we use an annual increment until you reach the band maximum. Real rules (time in grade, performance, etc.) vary by employer and contract.
- Years in role (starting point): This is how many years you have already been in this band. It sets where you start on the scale for the projection (e.g. 0 = bottom of the band (year one), 4 = four years in (you may already be at a higher spine point)). Change it to match your situation.
- All outputs are gross. We don't deduct UK tax, National Insurance or pension.
- Allowances and eligibility vary by UK employer.
Progression is shown using the pay structure for your sector (spine points or annual increments). Rules and rates vary by employer, so treat this as an illustrative guide only.
Pay Progression Calculator
EnglandNHS Agenda for Change employersFramework from 1/4/2026
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Guide for Dental Nurse
This guide explains how pay progression typically works for Dental Nurse at NHS on Band 4 under NHS Agenda for Change. Use the calculator on this page for illustrative figures; confirm spine points and progression dates with your employer.
Pay progression for Dental Nurse
As Dental Nurse at NHS, pay is usually set under NHS Agenda for Change. Our dataset typically maps this role to Band 4; your actual grade may differ. On Agenda for Change, pay moves through spine points within each band, usually subject to national progression standards (appraisal, training, no capability proceedings).
Typical progression for Dental Nurse
Progression may include senior dental nurse, dental therapist training, or practice management. AfC posts typically use Band 4 entry.
What to enter in the calculator
Choose your current band or grade, then set how many years you have already been on that band. That sets your starting point on the scale. Select how many years ahead you want to project. The tool shows year-by-year gross pay and total earnings over the period.
What this does not include
The projection uses base band pay only. It does not add allowances (London weighting, unsocial hours, TLR, HCAS), overtime, or non-consolidated awards. Tax, National Insurance and pension are not deducted: all figures are gross.
Example scenario
Illustrative example at bottom of band (matches calculator defaults)
| Band / grade | Band 4 |
|---|---|
| Years already in band | 0 |
| Gross pay now (example) | £28,392 |
| Gross pay after 5 years (example) | £31,157 |
| Projection period | 5 years |
Frequently asked questions
Is Dental Nurse pay Agenda for Change?
Many NHS dental nurses are on AfC, but some primary-care posts are practice-employed. Confirm your contract. If you are on AfC, choose the correct band for your post.
Are the results gross or net? Do you store my data?
All figures are gross (before tax, National Insurance and pension) unless the page says otherwise. Your calculator inputs and results stay in your browser and are not stored. We only collect your name and email if you choose to give them, for example to download your results or sign up for email updates. We store them with MailerLite, our email provider, along with the page you were on. See our privacy policy.
About this role
What is a Dental Nurse?
A Dental Nurse supports dentists and therapists in NHS dental services. Many NHS trust dental nurses are on Agenda for Change (often Band 4); some practice-employed staff are not on AfC.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Dental nursing offers clinical teamwork and patient-facing work. Confirm whether your post is AfC or practice-employed.
Are there progression routes?
Progression may include senior dental nurse, dental therapist training, or practice management. AfC posts typically use Band 4 entry.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not financial or career advice. Your payslip and contract decide what you are actually paid.