About elections at the BDA

We are owned by our members, and you elect the people who make decisions on strategy, policy, and represent the views of colleagues across the profession. Our constitutional structure is divided between governance and representation, and you can stand for election to three types of bodies across the two areas.

Governance: The Board

We have one decision making body, an elected board (also known as the Principal Executive Committee (PEC)), which agrees the strategy, policy, business operational plans, and holds the Chief Executive and staff to account. Each member serves for three years, and terms are staggered so that a different cohort of five members is subject to re-election each year. As a board member you should expect to spend around 20 days a year carrying out your role. The board is made up of 15 members: 

• Nine from English regions 

• One from Northern Ireland 

• One from Scotland 

• One from Wales 

• Three elected on a UK wide basis 

Representation: Committees and country councils

Representative committees

We have a structure of committees which provide specialist advice to the board. The majority of these committees are elected for a three-year period and take on a representative role in addition to an advisory function, but the board approves the remit and constitutions of each of them.

Our 12 elected committees are: 

General dental service 

• General Dental Practice Committee

• Northern Ireland Dental Practice Committee 

• Scottish Dental Practice Committee 

• Wales General Dental Practice Committee 

Hospital dental service 

• Hospital Dental Services Committee 

Community and public dental service 

• England Community Dental Services Committee 

• Wales Committee for Community Dentistry 

• Northern Ireland Community Dentists Committee 

• Dental Public Health Committee (UK wide)

• Scottish Public Dental Services Committee 

Armed Forces

• Armed Forces Committee 

Academic dentistry

• Dental Academic Staff Committee 

Country councils

We have four country councils, one for each UK nation, consisting of representatives elected from local branches and sections. Country councils are responsible for advising the board on all matters relating to dentistry in their country and to liaise with branches and sections as the voice of members. You should expect to read reports and attend 3-5 meetings per year depending on your nation. 

Representatives from all country councils come together to form the UK council, which meets twice a year, and receives regular updates on membership, finances, and briefings from the board. The UK council appoints a scrutiny committee that undertakes an annual performance review with senior staff and board members to enable member representatives to feel assured about the quality of governance within the organisation. 

Each country council is elected for a three-year period.

Get in touch

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 020 7563 4141