The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) launched their market study into dentistry on the 15 September 2011 and published their final report on 29 May 2012. Their intention was to "examine whether the private and NHS dentistry markets are working well for patients".

70 NHS practices in England are in a pilot working under a full capitation scheme with payments for quality and clinical outcomes.

The BDA responds to consultations on behalf of the profession in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Some consultations are country specific and some are UK wide. The BDA also responds to consultations from European and international organisations.

The Policy and Research Bulletin is produced by the Research Unit biannually. The latest edition includes articles on barriers in becoming a practice owner and a study on how well the dental market is working. It also includes articles that summarise research from a number of projects including, a survey on the morale of salaried dentists and a survey of foundation dentist.