British Dental Association

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Dental market insight report 2026

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 report is essential reading for anyone interested in how the current political and economic context affects general dental practice in the UK.

Read the report

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The Latest

What's new?

England: Care pathways come with disproportionate burden

We have warned the profession that the administrative, reporting and clinical requirements involved in delivering Complex Care Pathways (CCPs) are disproportionate and risk making the new payment tariffs unattractive. 

England: Government exempt quality improvement and appraisals from uplifts

Officials take a pick-and-mix approach to supporting contract holders.

Ham-fisted reform rollout to undermine patient care

Software suppliers raise red flags over practicalities ahead of the new NHS Dental Services Portal launch.

Northern Ireland: How low can you go?

Registration crash shows writing on wall for Health Service dentistry.

700 days on: What has happened to the Governments promise to ban energy drink sales to children

Children are still able to buy sugary, acidic, high caffeine drinks – and do so at an alarming rate.

Shawn Charlwood awarded MBE

We are delighted to report that Shawn Charlwood has been awarded the Member of the British Empire (MBE) for services to dentistry in the King’s Birthday Honours.

LDC delegates demand Government action following controversial reforms

A series of urgent calls for reform took centre stage at the Local Dental Committees (LDC) Annual Conference in Manchester (4–5 June).

England: DPH workforce - Concessions, but deep cuts remain

We’ve secured some reductions in the level of cuts to the Dental Public Health (DPH) workforce, but these concessions don’t do enough to protect this strategically essential function.

Reality check: new dental schools won’t end dental deserts

Fifty new undergraduate places can’t turn round crisis in NHS dentistry.

Baby food sales crash, but Government must step up

Exposé into pouches more sugary than Coke hits the industry where it hurts.

Had your say about working in NHS dentistry yet?

Help secure a future with fair pay for GDPs and sustainable NHS dentistry across the UK.

England: Change at the top must not delay progress to save service

It’s a make or break for NHS dentistry in England and change at the top of Government risks kicking promised reform into the long grass.

More news

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Here when you need us

You do dentistry. We do advice.

Browse all advice

for expert members

Downloads for your dental practice

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

Find out more

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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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More payment options for patients, significant savings for practises

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Expand your knowledge

Learning and development

Event - 18 September 2026 (London)

A day with Dr Francesca Vailati

Don't miss our exclusive one-day masterclass with Dr. Francesca Vailati, internationally renowned for her expertise in adhesive dentistry and functional rehabilitation. This event is designed for dentists wanting to understand, diagnose and manage occlusal instability through a modern, minimally invasive approach.

Secure your place

Blogs in focus

Blog 2 days ago

How NHS tie-ins could backfire on dentistry in England

Jeremy Boyles, Chair of the Young Dentists Committee, and Nyah Patel, Chair of the BDSA on why tying future dental students to the NHS won't fix a broken system.

Blog 4 days ago

Understanding retention in associate contracts

When an associate leaves a practice, one of the most common areas of confusion is the retention amount held back by the practice.

Blog Tuesday 16 Jun 2026

Change at the top and reform at risk

If we do not see urgency, stability and funding from Government, then NHS dentistry may not have a future.

Blog Wednesday 10 Jun 2026

How to get the probationary period right in line with the Employment Rights Act changes

The new law means that taking decisive action with new starters is more important than ever.

More blogs

Browse our listings

Dentistry's jobs board

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

browse roles and advertise

We bring dentists

together

Join us today

Dental market insight report 2026

Learn why dentists are recommending Corsodyl 0.2% Mouthwash

The Latest

What's new?

England: Care pathways come with disproportionate burden

England: Government exempt quality improvement and appraisals from uplifts

Ham-fisted reform rollout to undermine patient care

Northern Ireland: How low can you go?

700 days on: What has happened to the Governments promise to ban energy drink sales to children

Shawn Charlwood awarded MBE

LDC delegates demand Government action following controversial reforms

England: DPH workforce - Concessions, but deep cuts remain

Reality check: new dental schools won’t end dental deserts

Baby food sales crash, but Government must step up

Had your say about working in NHS dentistry yet?

England: Change at the top must not delay progress to save service

New Colgate® SENSITIVE

You do dentistry. We do advice.

Your dental business

Associates

Employed dentists

Patient care and practice safety

Employment law

England: UDA contract changes

Wales: NHS contract reform

Wellbeing

Downloads for your dental practice

1-2-1 advice for Extra and Expert members

More payment options for patients, significant savings for practises

Learning and development

Courses and events

CPD Hub

BDJ portfolio

Library

A day with Dr Francesca Vailati

Blogs in focus

How NHS tie-ins could backfire on dentistry in England

Understanding retention in associate contracts

Change at the top and reform at risk

How to get the probationary period right in line with the Employment Rights Act changes

Dentistry's jobs board

Shawn Charlwood awarded MBE