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In this section you will find advice and support on associateships in dentistry, including our popular UDA value checker, contract checking services and more.

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associate member exclusive

UDA contract changes: Support for associates

Advice, courses and other resources to help you navigate the changes to the UDA contract with confidence and clarity. Exclusively for BDA members.
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UDA contract changes: Information for associates
Member story

Membership helped me build my career

Associate dentist Katie Davis shares how BDA membership helped her stay informed, supported and confident as she planned her career.
Read Katie's story

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UDA contract proposals impact on associates

The proposals for contractual change introduce new ways of getting paid for NHS work, which will affect associates.

Negotiating your UDA rate in England: Practical guidance for associates

Confidently renegotiate your payments for NHS work where you practice. Understand how the annual pay uplift works, why it doesn't directly benefit associates, and how to build a strong case for negotiating the Units of Dental Activity (UDA) rate to which your licence fee is applied.

Your personal brand

How do you want your patients to view you as a dentist, and view your practice? Your personal brand can be an opportunity to show your expertise, personality and values.

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.
Find out more and download

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Advice

Health, safety and risk assessment

MHRA guidance and medical devices in dental practice

Guidance for dental practices on the regulation of medical devices, including MHRA requirements, conformity standards, and your responsibilities.

Advice

Associate contracts

Providing NHS services as an associate in England

Advice on the considerations for associates when agreeing to provide NHS services on behalf of a practice.

Advice

Associateships

What associates need to do to support CQC compliance in England

Guidance on how to make the best of your working relationship with the practice to ensure compliance with national regulations.

Advice

Pensions

Associate incorporation and the NHS pension in England and Wales

Guidance for dental associates on how incorporation affects eligibility for the NHS Pension Scheme in England and Wales.

Advice

Clinical compliance

Sustainability in your dental practice

An introduction to sustainability for dental practices, and how you can reduce your environmental impact.

Advice

Personal finances

You and yours – estate planning

Estate planning is easy to put off, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to help protect your loved ones and your legacy. This practical guide shows how to prepare effectively and stay in control of what happens to your estate. Kindly provided by our trusted partners Chase de Vere.

Advice

NHS contracts and tendering

NHS dental performers list in England

Guidance on the NHS dental performers list in England, including eligibility, applying to join, ongoing obligations, reviews, appeals, and leaving the list. This list is administered on behalf of NHS England by Primary Care Support England (PSCE).

Advice

NHS contracts and tendering

How NHS GDS contracts in Wales are remunerated

Guidance on how NHS General Dental Services (GDS) contracts in Wales are remunerated under the reformed funding framework from April 2026. Although we are still hoping to receive a model contract, this is our advice on what we know so far.

Advice

NHS contracts and tendering

Welsh NHS dental contract vignettes explained

Guidance on the Welsh Government’s vignettes, published to accompany contract reform in Wales. We have produced this advice based on the 1 April version of the vignettes and will update this when the final version is released.

Advice

Personal finances

Taxation of property

A practical overview of property taxation in the UK, covering how rental income and gains are taxed alongside key legislative and economic developments affecting landlords. With rising rents, shifting mortgage conditions and reforms such as the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and upcoming tax changes, it highlights what property owners need to be aware of in a changing landscape. Kindly provided by our trusted partners Chase de Vere.

Advice

NHS contracts and tendering

Accepting and treating NHS dental patients

Guidance on the rules and responsibilities that apply when accepting and treating NHS dental patients, including communication, treatment planning, charging, referrals, and managing missed appointments.

Advice

NHS contracts and tendering

Dental activity reviews and NHS practice inspections in England

Guidance for dental practices in England on NHS activity reviews and inspections, including the role of the NHS Business Services Authority and Integrated Care Boards in monitoring compliance and contractual delivery.

Exclusively for BDA members

Associate contract reviews

We can review your associate contract as part of any membership package. Our standard turn-around time is 10 working days, however please note that during busy periods it may be a little longer.
Learn more
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Member exclusive

Associates collection

This collection of articles from BDJ In Practice brings together recent articles of interest to associates working in UK dental practices. Covering all aspects of life as an associate, it provides a convenient update on current hot topics in UK dentistry.
Explore the collection
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Blogs

Blog

How we develop fair associate agreements for you in a shifting landscape

NHS contracts in England and Wales are changing, so here is what we factor into your associate agreement.

Blog

England: Contract changes from April 2026: How we are shaping the final deal

GDPC Chair Shiv Pabary MBE: "As NHS England moves towards implementing contract changes, we are clear that improvements are long overdue, but the details matter."

Blog

Joining the GDPC Private Practice Sub-Committee: My journey to advocacy and connection

New committee member Neelam Prasad reflects on moving into private practice and the value of a support network, mentorship and advocacy.

Blog

Top tips for competitive associate pay

To keep your salary in line with your expectations, skills, and experience, it is a good idea to request a review of your fees with the practice owner every year. Practice Management Consultant, Sabina Mirza, shares tips to help you feel confident in initiating pay discussions.

For extra and expert members

Contact our associateships team

Get expert support on a wide range of associateship issues, including pay and contracts. Alongside our online guidance, Extra and Expert members can speak directly with our team whenever they need advice.
Contact us
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