British Dental Association

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You can trust the BDA to provide expert advice for your working life, indemnify you through a dentist-led team fighting your corner, provide learning for you and the wider dental team, and keep dentistry on the desks of politicians and the media.

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For overseas-qualified dentists

Start your UK dental career with confidence

Join our starting out in the UK lecture series: eight expert-led sessions on everything from NHS frameworks to ORE preparation. Become an Essential Affiliate member for £33 and attend free, saving £400, or book your place if you’re already a member.

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The Latest

What's new?

England: Dentists back sales ban on energy drinks for kids

We have applauded the proposed ban on sales of high caffeine energy drinks to under-16s.

Northern Ireland: Update on DDRB, Expenses and Cost-of-Service Review

Minister responds as clarity sought on a range of GDS issues.

England: Contract uplift must be implemented without delay

We need confirmation of the GDPs’ contract uplift, which is nearly five months overdue.

Wales: 2025 mental health of dentists' survey launched

We have launched our 2025 mental health survey, and we want to hear from you.

Scotland: Pay award announced for NHS General Dental Practitioners

Details of the new pay award, and when it will be implemented.

CDS pay recommendation made to UK governments

Alongside a 4% uplift, DDRB calls for a wider review of pay and progression to address recruitment and retention challenges.

Securing better waiting list data for Community Dental Services in England

NHS England will begin national data collection on CDS waiting times from August 2025.

Scotland: Quality Improvement Activity update

The Scottish Government has published PCA(D)(2025)2 which advises of the arrangements for Quality Improvement (QI) Activity for the 2025-28 cycle.

England: New Patient Premium audit - Clarification of declaration

The NHS BSA has now issued a clarification of the declaration form providers are asked to submit in relation to the New Patient Premium (NPP) audit.

Immigration rules change will deepen access crisis

Proposed changes to immigration rules will have a direct impact on patient access to care UK-wide, hitting key members of the dental team, and the future pipeline of dentists.

Northern Ireland: Minister responds on GDS concerns

Further information relating to ‘General Dental Services investment 2025-26’ have been outlined by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt.

Private practice: Being sensitive to “an increasingly volatile environment”

Mutual support and networks are a great help in understanding the current climate.

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THE SMART WAY TO PROTECT YOUR CAREER

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We offer professional dental indemnity cover for modern dentistry, providing unparalleled protection and flexibility for our members. It covers the treatments that were once exceptional but are now day-to-day. Decide for yourself – get your quote today.

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Learning and development

IN-PERSON EVENT – FRIDAY 14 NOVEMBER

Annual Dento-legal study day

Are you protected from risk and misperception? Join us for an insightful day focussing on managing liability, maintaining credibility, and presenting your best professional self.

Book your place now

Blogs in focus

Blog 5 days ago

Practising in the UK as an overseas-qualified dentist from Pakistan

Asma Tanweer looks at the differences between dentistry in the UK and Pakistan as an overseas-qualified dentist.

James Goldman 2024 06 Advisors MG 2578 500X500

Blog Friday 29 Aug 2025

Our number one tip for associates planning maternity leave

Are you a self‑employed associate with maternity leave on the horizon? James Goldman, Associate Director of Advisory Services at the BDA, shares how being proactive now will help in the long run.

Blog Thursday 31 Jul 2025

Mourning the loss of dentistry’s best friend

It is with great sadness we share news of the passing of Kevin Lewis, a much loved friend, colleague and champion of dentistry

Blog Thursday 31 Jul 2025

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.

More blogs

BDJ Portfolio

Article collection: Dental tourism

Dental tourism is a hot topic, and with more patients forecast to head overseas for treatment - not to mention countries providing treatment forecasting huge increases in revenue based on the sector - BDJ in Practice has canvassed the profession to find out what it thinks of dental tourism.

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BDA INDEMNITY

Offering orthodontic treatment? Our indemnity policy is made for you.

Our policy covers fixed and removable appliances including treatments using aligner systems.

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BDJ Jobs - for all your job search and recruitment needs

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1000s of dental jobs from all around the UK are updated daily. Free nurse and support role vacancy ads for our members.

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1000s of dental jobs from all around the UK updated daily. Free nurse and support role vacancy ads for members.

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