British Dental Association

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Dental market insight report 2026

Dentists working in general practice - be they associates, practice owners and partners, or running practices on behalf of larger groups - are uniquely exposed to changes in the economy. Our report is essential reading for anyone interested in how the current political and economic context affects general dental practice in the UK.

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The Latest

What's new?

England: Don’t let minsters mark their own homework on dentistry

We are urging MPs to drop government plans to abolish Healthwatch England.

England: Care pathways come with disproportionate burden

We have warned the profession that the administrative, reporting and clinical requirements involved in delivering Complex Care Pathways (CCPs) are disproportionate and risk making the new payment tariffs unattractive. 

England: Government exempt quality improvement and appraisals from uplifts

Officials take a pick-and-mix approach to supporting contract holders.

Ham-fisted reform rollout to undermine patient care

Software suppliers raise red flags over practicalities ahead of the new NHS Dental Services Portal launch.

Northern Ireland: How low can you go?

Registration crash shows writing on wall for Health Service dentistry.

700 days on: What has happened to the Governments promise to ban energy drink sales to children

Children are still able to buy sugary, acidic, high caffeine drinks – and do so at an alarming rate.

Shawn Charlwood awarded MBE

We are delighted to report that Shawn Charlwood has been awarded the Member of the British Empire (MBE) for services to dentistry in the King’s Birthday Honours.

LDC delegates demand Government action following controversial reforms

A series of urgent calls for reform took centre stage at the Local Dental Committees (LDC) Annual Conference in Manchester (4–5 June).

England: DPH workforce - Concessions, but deep cuts remain

We’ve secured some reductions in the level of cuts to the Dental Public Health (DPH) workforce, but these concessions don’t do enough to protect this strategically essential function.

Reality check: new dental schools won’t end dental deserts

Fifty new undergraduate places can’t turn round crisis in NHS dentistry.

Baby food sales crash, but Government must step up

Exposé into pouches more sugary than Coke hits the industry where it hurts.

Had your say about working in NHS dentistry yet?

Help secure a future with fair pay for GDPs and sustainable NHS dentistry across the UK.

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Downloads for your dental practice

Expert members have access to our popular library of audits, checklists, and templates - giving you a head start in running a safe, compliant and successful practice.

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Bespoke help when you need it

1-2-1 advice for Extra and Expert members

As an Extra or Expert member, you can rely on unlimited, one-to-one support from our industry experts whenever you need it. Whether you need quick guidance or in-depth support, our expert advisors are here to help.

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Expand your knowledge

Learning and development

Event - 18 September 2026 (London)

A day with Dr Francesca Vailati

Don't miss our exclusive one-day masterclass with Dr. Francesca Vailati, internationally renowned for her expertise in adhesive dentistry and functional rehabilitation. This event is designed for dentists wanting to understand, diagnose and manage occlusal instability through a modern, minimally invasive approach.

Secure your place

Blogs in focus

Blog 5 days ago

How NHS tie-ins could backfire on dentistry in England

Jeremy Boyles, Chair of the Young Dentists Committee, and Nyah Patel, Chair of the BDSA on why tying future dental students to the NHS won't fix a broken system.

Head of BDA Indemnity Len D'Cruz smiling towards the camera

Blog 6 days ago

Complex Care Pathways: To choose or not to choose - that is the dento-legal question

Member exclusive - As Complex Care Pathways take hold in practice, Len D’Cruz explores the emerging dento‑legal questions, clarifying whether their use is truly optional or a decision carrying wider professional implications.

Blog 7 days ago

Understanding retention in associate contracts

When an associate leaves a practice, one of the most common areas of confusion is the retention amount held back by the practice.

Blog Tuesday 16 Jun 2026

Change at the top and reform at risk

If we do not see urgency, stability and funding from Government, then NHS dentistry may not have a future.

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1000s of dental jobs from all around the UK updated daily. Free nurse and support role vacancy ads for members.

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Dental market insight report 2026

The Latest

What's new?

England: Don’t let minsters mark their own homework on dentistry

England: Care pathways come with disproportionate burden

England: Government exempt quality improvement and appraisals from uplifts

Ham-fisted reform rollout to undermine patient care

Northern Ireland: How low can you go?

700 days on: What has happened to the Governments promise to ban energy drink sales to children

Shawn Charlwood awarded MBE

LDC delegates demand Government action following controversial reforms

England: DPH workforce - Concessions, but deep cuts remain

Reality check: new dental schools won’t end dental deserts

Baby food sales crash, but Government must step up

Had your say about working in NHS dentistry yet?

You do dentistry. We do advice.

Your dental business

Associates

Employed dentists

Patient care and practice safety

Employment law

England: UDA contract changes

Wales: NHS contract reform

Wellbeing