Advice on the business of UK dentistry

There's a lot involved in delivering the business of dentistry, whether you're in NHS, mixed or private practice. In this section you will find the expert advice and support you need to make your business a success.

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BDA member exclusive

UDA contract changes: Support for practice owners

Advice, courses and other resources to help you navigate the changes to the UDA contract with confidence and clarity. Exclusively for BDA members.

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UDA contract changes: Information for practice owners

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.

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Recently updated

Dentists' long-term sickness and pay

This guidance will help you understand your entitlement to long-term sickness payments across the four nations, and how to protect your income, or that of your staff.

Health Service dentistry in Scotland: An overview for practice owners

Guidance for practice owners on the key requirements for providing NHS dentistry in Scotland.

Absence and time away from practice in Scotland

Absence from practice, whether planned or unplanned, must be managed carefully to ensure continuity of care and compliance with the General Dental Services (GDS) Regulations in Scotland.

Joining and leaving the dental list in Scotland

Guidance for dentists on the requirements and procedures for joining or leaving the dental list in Scotland including information for dentists who wish to apply for a vocational training number on the grounds of experience and training.

Dental charges and remuneration in Scotland: An overview for practitioners

Guidance for dental practitioners on how patient charges and remuneration are applied within Health Service dentistry in Scotland.

Providing NHS dentistry in Scotland

Guidance on providing patient care under NHS dentistry in Scotland, including continuing care, capitation, and the key terms of service that govern practice.

Moving to private practice in Scotland

Guidance for practice owners and associates in Scotland on the main considerations in moving from NHS care to private practice.

Engaging an associate

Guidance on what you need to do in your practice when engaging an associate.

Moving to private practice in Northern Ireland

Guidance for practice owners and associates in Northern Ireland on the key considerations involved in moving from Health Service care to private dental practice.

NHS dentistry in England: Contracts, charges, and payments

Guidance on how NHS dental services are commissioned and funded in England, including the structure of the General Dental Services (GDS) contract and Personal Dental Services (PDS) agreement.

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.

Incorporation in Scotland

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

Related events

Eventin 3 months

Business essentials - Jan and Feb 2027

Delivered over two days, Friday 22 January and Friday 26 February, this interactive workshop explores proven commercial techniques that can be applied to a dental business to achieve better financial results and drive profitability.

Event

Making Tax Digital in April (webinar recording)

Free for members: A recording of a webinar that took place on Wednesday 14 January. Arun Mehra helped UK dentists understand and get ready for the upcoming changes under Making Tax Digital, commencing in April 2026.

More business management events

For extra and expert members

Contact our NHS and business team

Alongside our online guidance, get unlimited, tailored advice by phone or email. Our team can help Extra and Expert members with all aspects of running a NHS, private or mixed practice, including NHS contract terms and variations, clawback and breach or remedial notices.

Victoria Michell, Head of the NHS and Business team, smiling confidently towards the camera

BDA CASE STUDY

Case study: The learning curve of transitioning to private practice

How are other dentists going about transitioning from NHS to private dentistry? Learn from Rachele from Delicate Dental, who talked to us about her experience switching adult patients to private treatment.

Find out more

Case Study Transition To Private Practice

You might also be interested in

Employment law

Every practice requires an effective HR function to manage its workforce, policies and compliance with employment law.

HR consultancy

The life of a practice owner is a busy one, and you may not have the employment knowledge or experience to deal with complex HR matters. If you have an employment issue and do not have the time to deal with it, let our consultants take over.

Smiling woman in dental scrubs standing indoors, looking at the camera.

Your dental business