Hundreds of junior hospital dentists in England are to be balloted for industrial action in the row over NHS contracts.

It will be the first time members of the dental profession have been asked to consider taking industrial action.

The British Dental Association said the move followed attempts by the Government to impose the same "flawed" contracts on junior hospital dentists as on junior doctors.

Peter Dyer, who chairs 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."