Advice for associates

In this section you will find advice and support on associateships in dentistry, including our popular UDA value checker, contract checking services and more.

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associate member exclusive

UDA contract changes: Support for associates

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 associates

Event - 7 July 2026

Working in the NHS

Open to all final year students, this free live webinar on Tuesday 7 July will help you feel more prepared for life after dental school. The session will discuss the NHS dental system, provides more detail about what an associate agreement is and offers invaluable first-hand insights from current associates.

Member story

Membership helped me build my career

Associate dentist Katie Davis shares how BDA membership helped her stay informed, supported and confident as she planned her career.

Read Katie's story

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UDA contract proposals impact on associates

The proposals for contractual change introduce new ways of getting paid for NHS work, which will affect associates.

Negotiating your UDA rate in England: Practical guidance for associates

Confidently renegotiate your payments for NHS work where you practice. Understand how the annual pay uplift works, why it doesn't directly benefit associates, and how to build a strong case for negotiating the Units of Dental Activity (UDA) rate to which your licence fee is applied.

Your personal brand

How do you want your patients to view you as a dentist, and view your practice? Your personal brand can be an opportunity to show your expertise, personality and values.

For associates and practice owners

Updated UDA value checker

Understanding the financial details of England's NHS dental contract can be challenging, even for experienced professionals. Our exclusive UDA value checking tool helps members compare their practice to local and national averages, supporting confident and informed choices.

Find out more and download

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Sexual harassment: Guidance for associates on raising and responding to concerns

Guidance for associates on maintaining professional boundaries including how to protect themselves and seek support if they experience or are accused of inappropriate behaviour.

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.

Understanding Your State Pension and retirement savings

This page provides an overview of the UK State Pension and how it fits alongside your other pension savings.

Taking short breaks and leaving the NHS Pension Scheme

Understand the implications of taking breaks from your NHS pension, and what to do if you wish to discontinue your NHS pension.

Retirement and ill-health retirement

Advice on your options when you are seeking to retire from your NHS pension scheme.

Remediable Pension Savings Statements

What you need to know regarding these statements, and where to find relevant advice externally.

The NHS Pension Scheme

The NHS Pension Scheme is a UK-wide scheme that is open to all employed and self-employed dentists working directly for the NHS.

Death benefits

The NHS Pension Scheme provides death benefits for dentists that may include a lump-sum payment and ongoing dependants’ pensions, offering financial security to a member’s family in the event of their death.

Associate contracts in Scotland

Guidance on associate contracts in Scotland including NHS requirements, locum arrangements, leaving a practice, and working in private dentistry. 

Exclusively for BDA members

Associate contract reviews

We can review your associate contract as part of any membership package. Our standard turn-around time is 5 working days, however please note that during busy periods it may be a little longer.

Learn more

BDA Practice Management Consultant Ezra Moffatt smiling confidently towards the camera

Member exclusive

Associates collection

This collection of articles from BDJ In Practice brings together recent articles of interest to associates working in UK dental practices. Covering all aspects of life as an associate, it provides a convenient update on current hot topics in UK dentistry.

Explore the collection

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Blogs

James Goldman 2024 06 Advisors MG 2578 500X500

BlogFriday 6 Mar 2026

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.

BlogTuesday 20 Jan 2026

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."

BlogThursday 25 Sep 2025

Joining the GDPC Private Practice Sub-Committee: My journey to advocacy and connection

New committee member Neelam Prasad reflects on moving into private practice and the value of a support network, mentorship and advocacy.

BlogThursday 31 Jul 2025

Top tips for competitive associate pay

To keep your salary in line with your expectations, skills, and experience, it is a good idea to request a review of your fees with the practice owner every year. Practice Management Consultant, Sabina Mirza, shares tips to help you feel confident in initiating pay discussions.

For extra and expert members

Contact our associateships team

Get expert support on a wide range of associateship issues, including pay and contracts. Alongside our online guidance, Extra and Expert members can speak directly with our team whenever they need advice.

James Goldman, Associate Director of Advisory Services at the BDA, smiling towards the camera

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Private practice

Offering patients private treatments, either exclusively or alongside NHS work, can offer professional and financial rewards.

Managing and informing patients

Communication is often the reason for a patient's complaint. Being proactive about providing information and ensuring the whole team is aware of policies and protocols can mitigate the likelihood of complaints.

Employment law

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

Associates