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New: 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 new 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

A one-stop-shop with the templates needed to comply with national standards, exclusively for our Expert members.

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.

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
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National standards and regulation

Northern Ireland: RQIA for dental practices 2025-26

The following advice outlines the requirements for dental practices in aligning with the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) standards in Northern Ireland, and includes links to resources available to Expert members to support compliance.

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Associate contracts

The mydentist associate agreement

The mydentist associate agreement has been changed to bring it more into line with the BDA model associate agreement. Here we outline what you need to know about it and how it is different to our model associate agreement. 

Advice

Associate contracts

Contracting with a corporate dental practice on the ADG associate agreement

The Association of Dental Groups (ADG) has produced a model associate agreement for its members based on the BDA's model. On this page we comment on some of the most important features in the ADG associate agreement to help you make informed decisions.

Advice

Career options

Working abroad

Opportunities to broaden your horizons by gaining professional experience abroad.

Advice

Associateships

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.

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Business finances

Tax

A basic overview of your various possible tax obligations in the dental practice.

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Assessment and safeguarding

Safeguarding patients

Safeguarding practices reduce the opportunities for children and adults to experience abuse and neglect. This advice outlines current expectations on safeguarding practice for members of the dental team.

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Private practice

Moving to private practice in Northern Ireland

What to consider if you are thinking of moving from Health Service dentistry to private practice.

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Personal finances

Investment planning and asset allocation

A step-by-step framework to investment planning and asset allocation - kindly provided by our trusted partners Chase de Vere

Advice

Managing and informing patients

Supporting Muslim dental patients observing Ramadan

Practical advice on anticipating and meeting patient needs during the month of fasting.

Advice

Managing and informing patients

Safety precautions during out-of-hours care and domiciliary visits

Providing urgent care outside standard working hours or in a domiciliary setting comes with additional risks.

Advice

Managing and informing patients

Managing abusive patients

Abusive behaviour from patients is an increasing concern for dental professionals. There are differences in protocols when managing NHS and private patients relating to contractual obligations, and variations across the UK nations. However, a fundamental principle remains: no member of the dental team should be subjected to abuse.

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

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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