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Dental market insight report 2025

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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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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Associateships

Associate agreements: What practices should consider

There are considerations practice owners need to make before drafting an associate agreement. We outline the common factors that can impact on the working relationship between a practice and associates.

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Employing staff

Avoiding discrimination and managing complaints

What you need to do to avoid claims of discrimination, and how to respond if a complaint arises.

Advice

Employing staff

Equality and diversity in the workplace

Understand your responsibilities under anti-discrimination legislation in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Advice

Employing staff

Bullying and harassment

How to identify and manage bullying, harassment, and violence issues in the practice.

Advice

Employing staff

Employment contracts, practice sales, and TUPE

This advice describes the implications of the TUPE regulations when a practice is sold and purchased, including the rights of existing staff.

Advice

Business management

Dentists' legal rights as commercial purchasers

Learn more about the contracts dental practices make with other businesses, suppliers, and tradespeople, including advice on contract law and rights as a commercial buyer.

Advice

Pay, leave and rewards

Jury service and time off for public duties

Understand your responsibilities towards your employees if they are summoned for jury service or undertake public duties.

Advice

Choosing and changing practices as an associate

Retention post-agreement

When an associate leaves a dental practice, any retention of pay must be handled transparently and in line with contractual agreements. 

Advice

Choosing and changing practices as an associate

Your working arrangements during your notice period

Your notice period is a time to manage your exit professionally while continuing to meet your obligations to the practice and patients. Associates should check contracts carefully, as there are likely to be specific requirements that apply during this time. It is important to communicate clearly with the practice and make any necessary arrangements to fulfil outstanding responsibilities. 

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Choosing and changing practices as an associate

Associates leaving a practice

Understand your obligations when you leave a dental practice as an associate and possible implications imposed by your agreement with the practice owner. 

Advice

Choosing and changing practices as an associate

Restrictive covenants

Understand the restrictions to your working arrangements when you move to a different dental setting.

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Business finances

Types of tax and implications for dentists

A basic overview of the different types of tax and how they impact associates and practice owners.

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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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 associates and practice owners

Updated UDA value checker

Understanding the financial details of England's NHS dental contract can be challenging, even for experienced professionals. Our exclusive UDA value checking tool helps members compare their practice to local and national averages, supporting confident and informed choices.
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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.
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