The latest news and blogs from the BDA

THE LATEST

News articles

Inaction leaves young dentists drowning in debt

Plan 2 reform must remain on the table.

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.

England: Horrific extractions stats must spur real effort from government

Decay extractions up 11% on last year, as access crisis bites.

Wales: Callousness or incompetence

Dentists given weekend to decide future of NHS provision.

Scotland: Prior approval and mandatory training changes announced

The Scottish Government have said Payment Reform was intended as a first step in ensuring sustainability of NHS dental services. The announcement made in PCA(D)(2026)2 outlines the next steps in the reform programme for NHS dental services.

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

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

Scotland: Chief Dental Officer issues clarification on Declaration of Compliance of Terms of Service PCA

Further information has been given on emergency cover.

Scotland: Scottish Government announces the introduction of a Declaration of Compliance of Terms of Service

A notification has been sent to dentists and dental bodies corporate providing NHS dental services, that Scottish Ministers intend to introduce a Declaration of Compliance of Terms of Service

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

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

Primary care bodies unite to take fight for financial security future to Parliament

MPs attending Parliamentary “Moving from Crisis to Recovery” event told investment in primary care needed now to future-proof the NHS.

NHS England merger: Public health experts offered euphemisms not clarity over jobs

We can only lament the pace at which the merger of DHSC and NHSE is being taken forward. These huge delays leave Dental Public Health (DPH) staff stuck in limbo, undervalued and unclear on whether they have a future.

Northern Ireland: Update on DDRB pay uplift payment dates

The latest on DDRB fee uplifts and other payments.

More news

THE LATEST

Blog posts

A connected profession: Why collaboration matters more than ever

Working closely across specialties means we work better, and realise how much we have in common.

The root canal that never happened: How early curiosity shaped a purposeful career in dentistry

Natalie Bradley looks at how a cancelled root canal treatment led to a career in dentistry, from special care to consultant to leadership

England: Contract changes from April 2026: How we are shaping the final deal

GDPC Chair Shiv Pabary MBE: "As NHS England moves towards implementing contract changes, we are clear that improvements are long overdue, but the details matter."

Wales – reform to revolt

Dr Russell Gidney reflects on Welsh Government's approaches to NHS dentistry post COVID, in light of the new 2026 GDS contract.

Supporting and empowering members in 2026

We are introducing new ways to help you develop professionally, build your skills, and make the most of your membership.

A message from the BDA Northern Ireland Director: Moving forward into 2026

Tristen Kelso on why a productive year has strengthened the push for deeper dental system reform and investment.

Grassroots voices shaping contract reform negotiations

As Government engages in initial talks with us on contract reform, we are determined to gather grassroots input to guide our negotiating team’s engagement with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Making the case for a fair NHS pay rise

As the service continues to face significant challenges, we set out exactly why decisive action and better remuneration would be wholly deserved.

Scotland: Scandalous waits for dental general anaesthetics must be addressed

Albert Yeung explains why action is needed now to tackle the long waiting times for tooth extractions under general anaesthetic in Scotland.

As a maxillofacial surgeon, I never expected to get mouth cancer myself

Neil Shah shares his unique insight from surviving the very cancer he is trained to operate on.

NHS dentistry: Fund it or lose it

Eddie Crouch on why real reform depends on Ministers turning promises into action.

Time to think about your next mortgage

If your mortgage deal is coming to an end, now is the time to review your options.

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