Essential membership for salaried dentists

If you're employed on national terms and conditions, it pays to have trade union support

Expert advice and support when you need it most

You can relax, knowing that membership includes expert one-to-one telephone advice from our Employment Relations team.

We can assist you with workplace issues including employment law, provide support for local issues, offer advice regarding your contract of employment, maternity rights, support with sickness absence or pensions advice.

Professional development made simple

With access to a range of high-quality resources, you'll have everything you need to progress your career at your own pace. Enjoy access to 200 hours of CPD per year to show your commitment to professionalism. Earn, track and manage your learning in our CPD hub.

Your wellbeing is our priority

As a member, you have access to our 24/7 support service, as well as counselling for you and your immediate family.

We have a network of trained local workplace reps, called accredited reps (ARs) in the salaried service, and dental university accredited reps (DUARs) in universities. Your local AR or school rep may be able to help with your query and will refer appropriately any issue needing specialist support.

We're on your side

We’ll fight your corner and lobby to change things for the better. We’ve already made some significant wins for the Community Dental Services and our members:

Protected time to prepare for appraisals
Campaigning to have penalty charges reviewed for vulnerable patients
Achieving a 25% reduction of ARF fees
Successfully campaigning for GDC fees to be paid in instalments.

For £43.33 per month

Join us today

We're delighted that you want to join us! If you are new to the BDA and our website, you will need to register with us and confirm your email as a first step in the join process. If you already have a user account, you can head straight to My BDA to set up your membership of choice.

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Meet our salaried members

I joined the BDA soon after qualifying and I'm so glad that I did. I work as a community dentist, which is both rewarding and challenging!

The BDA helped me through a very tough time in my employment a few years ago.

I felt really well supported because of the quality of advice available through my BDA membership, as well as the access it gave me to local and national peer networks.

I can honestly say that if it wasn't for the diligent and sustained efforts of my Accredited Representatives (ARs), I might not have remained in my role.

I know from first-hand experience how much value there is in having someone on your side, and by your side, when it really counts. Now I'm an AR, I'm able to give something back as well.

Our approach at the BDA is supportive and pragmatic. We don't have a magic wand, but if you come to us for guidance, we will help you to reach the best possible outcome for you – whatever that may look like.

I've been a BDA member since qualifying in 1992. During this time, I've accessed the BDA for journals, development of my knowledge through the website and courses, as well as for recruitment. They have also provided me and my team with invaluable resources and advice.

Recently I needed further support and advice relating to my current role, so I got in touch with the BDA representative for the North West. He has been approachable, knowledgeable, supportive and professional at all times, in what has been a particularly challenging situation for me.

Without his advice and support I would have felt very isolated as the leader and manager of a large dental team, and would not have envisaged a positive outcome either for myself as a dental professional and leader, let alone for my team.

I feel thanks is a small word for expressing how appreciative I am as a long-standing member of the BDA, for providing such valued support from your regional representatives.