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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
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.
Find out more and book
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

Last updated

Advice

Associateships

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.

Advice

Associateships

Parental leave and pay for dental associates in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Guidance for dental associates in Scotland and Northern Ireland on parental leave and pay, including eligibility, notification requirements, and arrangements during absence.

Advice

Associateships

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.

Advice

Associate contracts

Providing NHS services as an associate in England

Advice on the considerations for associates when agreeing to provide NHS services on behalf of a practice.

Advice

Associateships

Understanding your income

As a dental associate, understanding your income is essential for managing your finances and ensuring transparency in your earnings; whether you are working in a private practice, under an NHS contract, or a mix of both.

Advice

Business management

Incorporation in Scotland

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

Advice

Business management

Incorporation in Northern Ireland

This advice applies to dentists and practices who have or are planning to incorporate and work in Northern Ireland.

Advice

Personal finances

Financial planning for women

A practical guide to financial planning for women, exploring the impact of pay gaps, career interruptions, caring responsibilities and changing economic conditions on long-term financial security. Learn how tailored financial planning can help you navigate life's challenges, protect your wealth and make informed decisions for the future. Kindly provided by our trusted partners Chase de Vere.

Advice

Health, safety and risk assessment

MHRA guidance and medical devices in dental practice

Guidance for dental practices on the regulation of medical devices, including MHRA requirements, conformity standards, and your responsibilities.

Advice

Associate contracts

Associate dentists' contractual CQC obligations

Guidance on how to make the best of your working relationship with the practice to ensure compliance with national regulations.

Advice

Pensions

Associate incorporation and the NHS pension in England and Wales

Guidance for dental associates on how incorporation affects eligibility for the NHS Pension Scheme in England and Wales.

Advice

Clinical compliance

Sustainability in your dental practice

An introduction to sustainability for dental practices, and how you can reduce your environmental impact.

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.
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

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