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ADVICE FOR MEMBERS

NHS contract changes in England and Wales

Changes to the UDA contract in England and fundamental reforms of the NHS contract in Wales came into effect on 1 April. Whether you are a practice owner or associate member, we are here to support you. Visit our information hubs to find out more.
England Wales

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Templates, checklists and audits

BDA Expert members have access to our entire library of audits, checklists, and templates - giving you a head start in running safe, compliant and successful practice.

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 for dentists

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.

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Pay, leave and rewards

Managing associate parental leave and pay in your dental practice

Guidance for practice owners on managing associate parental leave and pay, including legal considerations, financial arrangements, and maintaining continuity of patient care.

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Associateships

Parental leave and pay for dental associates in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Guidance for dental associates in Scotland and Northern Ireland on parental leave and pay, including eligibility, notification requirements, and arrangements during absence.

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Associateships

Parental leave and pay for dental associates in England and Wales

Guidance for dental associates in England and Wales on parental leave and pay, including eligibility, claiming NHS payments and managing your return to practice.

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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.

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Associateships

Understanding your income

As a dental associate, understanding your income is essential for managing your finances and ensuring transparency in your earnings; whether you are working in a private practice, under an NHS contract, or a mix of both.

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Managing and informing patients

Complaints handling

This advice helps dentists and dental practices develop an effective complaints handling protocol for receiving and managing complaints within agreed timescales and, where relevant, complying with NHS requirements.

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Business management

Incorporation in Scotland

This advice applies to dentists and practice who have or are planning to incorporate and work in Scotland.

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Business management

Incorporation in Northern Ireland

This advice applies to dentists and practices who have or are planning to incorporate and work in Northern Ireland.

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Personal finances

Financial planning for women

A practical guide to financial planning for women, exploring the impact of pay gaps, career interruptions, caring responsibilities and changing economic conditions on long-term financial security. Learn how tailored financial planning can help you navigate life's challenges, protect your wealth and make informed decisions for the future. Kindly provided by our trusted partners Chase de Vere.

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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

Associate dentists' contractual CQC obligations

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

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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.

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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Become an affiliate member

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.
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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 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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