Campaigning for change in UK dentistry

Campaigns and advocacy

The future of NHS dentistry: Our comprehensive plan

Dire need for change requires concrete reform. We have set out to government how we think dentistry needs to change to the benefit of dentists and your patients.

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Delivering results for the profession

Our impact in 2024

Over the past year, we’ve been expanding our membership offering, championing political change, and shaping the future of dentistry across the UK. From key victories in NHS reform to supporting our members, discover how we’ve been making an impact—for dentistry and for you.

View the BDA Impact report 2024

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Representing you

Our vision for the CDS

The nation’s ability to deliver dental treatment for some of the most vulnerable groups in our society is at risk. Our vision is a call to action from English community dentists themselves on how to end a crisis that has gone under the radar of decision makers for far too long, asking all parties involved with community dentistry to make sure the service is finally given the priority it deserves.

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Latest news

Northern Ireland: NI Executive urged to act decisively to support dentistry

Our work pressing for timely payments, and a reminder of key payment dates.

England: Government set to undermine above-inflation pay recommendation

DDRB have made their recommendations on pay, which officials are set to undo by failing to reflect the mounting cost of delivering NHS care.

England: Charge hike a kick in the teeth for millions on modest incomes

We’ve slammed the latest increase in NHS patient charges, stressing these ‘stealth cuts’ will not put a penny into the cash-strapped service.

We’ll spell out the facts in private care investigation

Government falsely claiming project will ease access and cost of living crises. We will work to ensure the CMA understand the complex realities of delivering private dentistry.

England: £900m clawback reflects perversity of failed contract

We have worked alongside the BBC to reveal how £900 million of budget has been handed back by dentists - reflecting the perversity of the broken contract our members are working within.

Dental graduates left drowning in debt need lifeline

We have warned ministers that sweeping reform to the terms of Plan 2 Loans are urgently required. Without real change we risk leaving a generation drowning in debt that will never be repaid, which will only fuel the exodus from the NHS.

Wales: Callousness or incompetence

Dentists given weekend to decide future of NHS provision.

Northern Ireland: Earlier payment date confirmed for 2025-26 General Dental Services arrears

Our intervention on the unacceptable delay has resulted in accelerated payments.

Oral cancer is the missing piece in the Government’s plan

Dentists need support in the battle with the eighth most common cancer.

Government tie hands of practices on urgent care

Government’s move to force practices to deliver a minimum level of urgent and unscheduled care is wrong in principle and ignores the reality that demand for these treatments is not one size fits all.

Northern Ireland: Appealing for proper regulatory oversight of dental tourism

We ask the Health Minister and regulators for support tackling illegal practice putting the public at risk.

England: Interim change may help but cannot be end of the road

We hope that interim changes to the discredited NHS dental contract will offer a boost for patients and practitioners but this is not the wholesale change required.