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

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How to negotiate your associate agreement

Whether you are reviewing your first associate agreement or renegotiating terms of an existing contract, understanding how to approach the conversation can make all the difference.

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

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

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

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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.

Dental charges and remuneration in Northern Ireland: An overview for practitioners

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

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.

Parental leave and pay for dental associates in England and Wales

Guidance for dental associates in England and Wales on parental leave and pay, including eligibility, claiming NHS payments and managing your return to practice.

Dental unit waterlines and legionella control

Understand how to manage the risk of legionella in your practice water supply and maintain safe dental unit waterlines.

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.

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.

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

Blogs

BlogFriday 9 Oct 2026

Supporting modern dental careers: Why the NHS payment changes matter

Malaaika Al-Koky, Young Dentists Committee vice chair, on how the recent changes to NHS parental leave and sickness pay improve access to vital support.

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.

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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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.

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Employment law

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

Associates