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.

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

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Associateships in Northern Ireland

Understand how to work as an associate within private or Health Service dentistry in Northern Ireland.

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 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.

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.

Complex Care Pathways in NHS dentistry in England

Guidance on Complex Care Pathways in NHS dentistry in England, including eligibility, pathway structure, claiming requirements, and patient charges.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Incorporation in Scotland

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

Incorporation in Northern Ireland

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

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

Blog Friday 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.

Blog Tuesday 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."

Blog Thursday 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.

Blog Thursday 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

You might also be interested in

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