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ADVICE

Supporting you through NHS contract changes

Come 1 April there will be changes to the UDA contract in England and fundamental reforms of the NHS contract in Wales. Whether you are a practice owner or associate member, we are here to support you. Visit our information hubs to find out more.
England Wales
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Templates, checklists and audits

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

Confidential counselling for members

All our members have access to Health Assured, a confidential service designed to help you deal with personal and professional problems that are affecting your wellbeing.

Associate contract reviews

An associate contract review will support you to ensure that you have the right agreement in place and understand it fully. We're here to help.

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Private practice

Establishing yourself as a private dental practice

Establishing a private dental practice involves key considerations. We set out the foundations that help set you up for success.

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Private practice

Transitioning to private practice in England and Wales

What to do and when, if you're considering moving to private practice

Advice

NHS contracts and tendering

Scotland: 2026 changes to prior approval process and mandatory training

Learn about the 2026 changes to Scotland’s NHS dental prior approval process and mandatory training (provisional listing) requirements.

Advice

Employing staff

Employment Rights Act: 2026 employment law changes

The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces changes that practices need to be aware of in advance. We have summarised the changes and provided a clear framework of when the changes apply, and how we will support you to remain compliant with employment law.

Advice

Personal finances

Investing for children

A practical guide to investing for children, exploring the tax and legal considerations, potential risks, and suitable investment options to help support future goals. Kindly provided by our trusted partners Chase de Vere.

Advice

NHS contracts and tendering

Unscheduled care mandate: What it means for you

Understand how the new NHS unscheduled care mandate will affect your dental practice from April 2026. Learn about mandated levels, payments, UDAs, and year-end reconciliation.

Advice

Associateships

How to negotiate your associate agreement

Whether you are reviewing your first associate agreement or renegotiating terms of an existing contract, understanding how to approach the conversation can make all the difference.

Advice

Associateships

Working as an associate after a practice sale

The following guidance outlines key considerations to help associates protect their position and establish a clear, professional relationship with a new practice owner.

Advice

Associateships

Planned leave from the practice

Discover how dental associates can manage planned leave professionally. Learn about autonomy, contractual obligations, and best practices for smooth operations.

Advice

Associateships

Understanding your income

As a dental associate, understanding your income is essential for managing your finances and ensuring transparency in your earnings; whether you are working in a private practice, under an NHS contract, or a mix of both.

Advice

Health, safety and risk assessment

Responding to accidents and reporting requirements

Understand what actions you need to take if accidents or incidents occur in your dental practice.

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Health, safety and risk assessment

Safety requirements for substances and equipment

Understand the essential safety requirements for managing the substances and equipment that you require to provide care for your patients.

Support when you need it

Wellbeing resources for dentists

Explore support services, counselling, further reading, and resources to help you manage stress, build resilience, and feel more connected. Whether you’re looking for 1:1 help, peer support, or practical tools - you can find everything related to mental health and wellbeing on our wellbeing hub.
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Become an affiliate member

Overseas-qualified dentist? Working towards GDC registration?

Navigating GDC registration can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Affiliate membership gives you the guidance, resources and support to make the process smoother and clearer.
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Exclusively for BDA members

Check out our bite-size advice videos

As a complement to our wide range of detailed written advice, we have produced a series of short videos where our experts share their insight on the business matters you ask us about most frequently - from partnerships and complaints handling to financial management and long-term leave.
Advice videos A-Z
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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For Expert members

HR consultancy services

If you have recruitment and selection pressures, or grievances or disciplinaries looming, we’ll take over. Our HR, practice management and business consultants will listen to your dilemma and design a plan to deal with the issues. Save yourself time and money.
Delegate your HR to us