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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
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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Advice

NHS contracts and tendering

Accepting and treating NHS dental patients

Guidance on the rules and responsibilities that apply when accepting and treating NHS dental patients, including communication, treatment planning, charging, referrals, and managing missed appointments.

Advice

NHS contracts and tendering

Dental activity reviews and NHS practice inspections in England

Guidance for dental practices in England on NHS activity reviews and inspections, including the role of the NHS Business Services Authority and Integrated Care Boards in monitoring compliance and contractual delivery.

Advice

NHS contracts and tendering

Guide to NHS dental standard contract terms in England

Guidance on the key clauses of the NHS General Dental Services (GDS) Contract in England. You should always read your contract, but we have highlighted the provisions that commonly affect how practices operate and manage their contractual responsibilities.

Advice

Associateships

NHS appraisals for dental associates in England

Guidance for dental associates on completing an annual NHS appraisal, including eligibility, documentation requirements, claiming the associated funding, and how payments are received.

Advice

Medical emergencies

Medical emergencies in dental practices

Guidance for dental practices on preparing for and managing medical emergencies, aligned with Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) standards. Alongside practical training, this will help you to meet your GDC professional responsibilities, and regulatory expectations.

Advice

Health, safety and risk assessment

Significant events

An overview of significant event analysis within the dental practice.

Advice

Infection prevention and control

Sepsis

This advice examines how to manage sepsis in dental practices appropriately, including recognising signs and symptoms, management, referral and follow up.

Advice

Associate contracts

BDA Associate Contract (NHS and mixed in Wales): Guide for associates

Advice on our model Associate Contract and how it can help you update and strengthen your associate agreement in light of the Welsh NHS dental contract reform from April 2026.

Advice

NHS contracts and tendering

NHS dental contract changes in England from April 2026: Guide for associates

Guidance for associates on the NHS dental contract changes in England taking effect in April 2026, and how it will impact your working environment and remuneration.

Advice

Personal finances

Investing tax efficiently

A practical overview of the increasingly complex world of investment taxation in the UK, highlighting frozen thresholds, evolving dividend tax rules, and measures announced in the Autumn Budget 2025. It outlines how investments are currently taxed and what changes lie ahead, helping you navigate an evolving landscape. Kindly provided by our trusted partners Chase de Vere.

Advice

Associate contracts

Understanding the licence fee in associate agreements

The licence fee is a longstanding feature of the BDA Associate Contract and other model associate agreements, yet it is often misunderstood. Our advice clearly explains what a licence fee is, and how it should be interpreted in associate agreements.

Advice

Associate contracts

BDA Associate Contract (NHS and mixed in England): Guide for associates

Advice on our model Associate Contract and how it can help you update and strengthen your associate agreement in light of the 2026 NHS contract changes in England.

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 10 working days, however please note that during busy periods it may be a little longer.
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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

Blog

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.

Blog

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."

Blog

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.

Blog

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.
Contact us
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