ABSTRACT
National Health Service (NHS) dentists were obliged to contribute 6% of their superannuable earnings to the Department of Social Security (DSS) superannuation scheme. At the normal retirement age of 65 or 60 there will be a tax-free lump sum followed by an index-linked pension for life. Provided the general dental practitioner (GDP) has at least two years pensionable service they will be entitled to a lump sum and pension on retirement through ill health. Contributions to the DSS scheme are allowable for tax purposes at the highest rate of tax paid. GDPs have always been entitled to contribute into a private pension scheme on their net relevant earnings from private dentistry. Added years can be purchased in the form of additional voluntary contributions to the DSS scheme; or a private pension plan can be set up to operate alongside the NHS scheme.
