What the BDA does

As a professional body and trade union, our duty is to serve the needs of our members.

We work to ensure that the voice of dentists is heard across the UK by providing data, briefings and information to the Government, lobbying for change to improve conditions for dentists and their teams. We listen when members speak up, using your stories and evidence from the frontline to bring dentists together and enact change.

Together we can achieve more than we can individually. Together, we are stronger.

Priorities

Learn about our current priorities.

Lobbying

Learn about our lobbying work in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Take action

Learn how to get involved in our campaigns.

Representation

Future-proofed: A manifesto for dentistry in Scotland

As Scotland goes to the polls, there is no room for complacency. Our manifesto outlines how the next government can improve access, reduce inequalities, support the workforce and secure the future of NHS dentistry.

Read the manifesto

Representation

A manifesto for dentistry in Wales

As we approach the 2026 Senedd election, there is no room for complacency. Untested NHS dentistry policies are driving dentists away and risking the future of the service. Our manifesto calls on the next government to provide a safety net for dentistry, sustainable investment, protection for the most vulnerable, a step change on the workforce, and a change in tone for a healthier Wales.

Read the manifesto

Latest advocacy news

Wales: Untested reforms mean access crisis will deepen

Patients to face more costly, less frequent care.

Northern Ireland: NI Executive urged to act decisively to support dentistry

Our work pressing for timely payments, and a reminder of key payment dates.

England: Government set to undermine above-inflation pay recommendation

DDRB have made their recommendations on pay, which officials are set to undo by failing to reflect the mounting cost of delivering NHS care.

England: Charge hike a kick in the teeth for millions on modest incomes

We’ve slammed the latest increase in NHS patient charges, stressing these ‘stealth cuts’ will not put a penny into the cash-strapped service.

We’ll spell out the facts in private care investigation

Government falsely claiming project will ease access and cost of living crises. We will work to ensure the CMA understand the complex realities of delivering private dentistry.

England: £900m clawback reflects perversity of failed contract

We have worked alongside the BBC to reveal how £900 million of budget has been handed back by dentists - reflecting the perversity of the broken contract our members are working within.

Dental graduates left drowning in debt need lifeline

We have warned ministers that sweeping reform to the terms of Plan 2 Loans are urgently required. Without real change we risk leaving a generation drowning in debt that will never be repaid, which will only fuel the exodus from the NHS.

Wales: Callousness or incompetence

Dentists given weekend to decide future of NHS provision.

Northern Ireland: Earlier payment date confirmed for 2025-26 General Dental Services arrears

Our intervention on the unacceptable delay has resulted in accelerated payments.

Oral cancer is the missing piece in the Government’s plan

Dentists need support in the battle with the eighth most common cancer.

Government tie hands of practices on urgent care

Government’s move to force practices to deliver a minimum level of urgent and unscheduled care is wrong in principle and ignores the reality that demand for these treatments is not one size fits all.

Northern Ireland: Appealing for proper regulatory oversight of dental tourism

We ask the Health Minister and regulators for support tackling illegal practice putting the public at risk.

Together we are stronger

Making a difference for dentistry

Campaigning for change doesn’t just happen; it's powered by members. Join us today.

Become a BDA member