Assumptions and pay data
- If your practice uses AfC: NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook, section 14.2: 1 month's full pay and 2 months' half pay in your first year, 2 months of each in your second year, 4 months of each in your third year, 5 months of each in your fourth and fifth years and 6 months of each after 5 years.
- Section 12.1 counts continuous service with any NHS employer, and 12.5 counts earlier NHS service after a break of 12 months or less.
- Paid sick leave in the 12 months before your absence starts is deducted (14.7). Absence from an injury at work is not counted.
- Full sick pay includes Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). In half pay months, half pay plus SSP cannot come to more than full pay (14.6).
Sick Pay Entitlement Calculator
EnglandNHS Agenda for Change employersFramework from 1/4/2026
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Guide for Dental Nurse
This guide summarises occupational sick pay for Dental Nurse under NHS Agenda for Change at NHS. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is usually paid as part of occupational sick pay, not on top of it.
Sick pay for Dental Nurse
As Dental Nurse at NHS, occupational sick pay usually follows NHS Agenda for Change. With around five years' continuous service, illustrative entitlement might be up to 6 months on full pay and 6 months on half pay in a rolling period. Self-certification is often allowed for the first seven days; a fit note is commonly required after that.
Fit notes and rolling periods
Self-certification is often allowed for the first seven days. Some employers use a rolling period (for example four years) that limits how much full and half pay you can use. Check your policy for qualifying service and evidence requirements.
Example scenario
Example at 5 years' service: 6 months' full pay and 6 months' half pay, the Agenda for Change scale, if your practice uses it
| Sector terms (example) | NHS Agenda for Change |
|---|---|
| Years of service (example) | 5 |
| Full pay months (example) | 6 |
| Half pay months (example) | 6 |
Frequently asked questions
Does my practice have to follow Agenda for Change sick pay?
No. Your practice sets sick pay in your contract. If yours follows AfC, you get 1 month's full pay and 2 months' half pay in your first year, 2 months of each in your second year, 4 months of each in your third year, 5 months of each in your fourth and fifth years and 6 months of each after 5 years. If your contract has no sick pay scheme, the legal minimum is Statutory Sick Pay.
How does the 12-month look-back work?
When an absence starts, paid sick leave in the previous 12 months is deducted from your entitlement (14.7). With 5 years' service and 2 months on full pay in that time, you would have up to 4 months on full pay left, then 6 months on half pay.
Is Statutory Sick Pay paid on top?
Not on top of full pay: full sick pay includes Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). In half pay months, half pay plus SSP can be paid, but not more than full pay (14.6).
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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.
What sick pay am I entitled to?
Contractual sick pay usually depends on length of service. Use the calculator above to see full pay and half pay periods for your sector. Always check your employer's policy and fit-note requirements.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not legal or HR advice. Your contract and your employer's policy decide your actual entitlement.