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  2. Representation
  3. Priorities
  4. Fair pay and contracts
  5. Contract reform
  6. Contract reform in Wales

Our position

We support dental contract reform in principle, but the 2026 General Dental Services (GDS) contract model for Wales risks worsening access, morale, and outcomes.

Over the past nine months, representatives from BDA Cymru have worked hard to influence the development of official information to support the implementation of the new contract and more recently its performance monitoring. We have repeatedly expressed the need for dentists in Wales to be provided with complete and clear information in a timely manner.

The previous Welsh Government chose not to publish a national model contract, instead leaving Local Health Boards to issue contract variation notices. These provided little detail beyond service percentage requirements, creating uncertainty for contractors. Betsi Cadwaladr was the exception, issuing a full set of revised contractual conditions. This delayed and limited guidance created significant challenges for dentists across Wales. We negotiated with the previous Government and with NHS representation on more flexible conditions in the first year of this untested contract. We will be pushing for an early review to consider further mitigations.

As of 25 June 2026:

The new Government is getting established, and we are pressing the new Cabinet Secretary to engage on the issues facing dentistry. We are alerting him to the unacceptable delay in starting discussions for the GDS uplift for this financial year.

The Senedd has just announced the new Health and Social Care Committee and at the earliest opportunity we will be putting dentistry on their work schedule.

Information and advice

We will provide further guidance to members as and when more information is provided from Welsh Government. Please review your email preferences to stay in the know.

Other pages

Welsh contract reform: What we know

We answer the key questions on the Welsh Government’s 2026 GDS contract, highlighting what we know and what this may mean for you.

Advice

How NHS GDS contracts in Wales are remunerated

Guidance on how NHS General Dental Services (GDS) contracts in Wales are remunerated under the reformed funding framework from April 2026. Although we are still hoping to receive a model contract, this is our advice on what we know so far.

Advice

Welsh NHS dental contract vignettes explained

Guidance on the Welsh Government’s vignettes, published to accompany contract reform in Wales. We have produced this advice based on the 1 April version of the vignettes and will update this when the final version is released.

Advice

Negotiating with your local health board in Wales

Guidance for dental practices in Wales on preparing for, approaching, and managing negotiations with local health boards.

Advice

Delisting patients under the April 2026 General Dental Services (GDS) Contract in Wales

Guidance for dental practices in Wales on the new delisting requirements under the April 2026 GDS contract, including mandatory and discretionary removal grounds, the delisting process, and reporting obligations.

Advice

Handing back an NHS contract in Wales: Key considerations for practice owners

Guidance for practice owners in Wales on the practical, financial, and contractual considerations involved in handing back an NHS contract, and the steps required to manage the process.

Exclusively for BDA members

New model BDA Associate Contract for Wales

Our revised model Associate Contract for NHS and Mixed in Wales incorporates updated terms in light of the new 2026 GDS contract. Read our advice and download your copy today.
For practice owners For associates
Decorative
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.
Browse resources

On-demand webinars

Event

Contract reform in Wales part 4 (webinar recording)

Member only access: This is a recording of a webinar that took place on Tuesday 24 February, providing members with a further update on the incoming changes to the GDS Contract in Wales.

Related news and blogs

News

Wales: Untested reforms mean access crisis will deepen

Patients to face more costly, less frequent care.

Blog

Wales: Securing stability in a year of change

Russell Gidney, Chair of the WGPDC, on our efforts to secure improvements to the new GDS contract.

Blog

How we develop fair associate agreements for you in a shifting landscape

NHS contracts in England and Wales are changing, so here is what we factor into your associate agreement.

News

Wales: Callousness or incompetence

Dentists given weekend to decide future of NHS provision.

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