Overview
The 2026 BDA Associate Contract for NHS and mixed reflects changes introduced by the updated NHS dental contract in England, which now requires practices to deliver at least 8.2% of their contract value as unscheduled care. This represents a shift towards a clearer and more structured approach to urgent and unplanned care, and practices must ensure that their associate agreements accurately set out how this work will be allocated, delivered, and remunerated. Because these new requirements change how activity is planned and monitored within the practice, associate agreements should be updated so that both parties understand their respective responsibilities and what is expected of them.
A well-drafted associate agreement is essential to ensure good governance, effective practice management, and compliance with NHS contractual obligations. Our revised model Contract incorporates updated terms that make it clear how unscheduled care will be distributed fairly across clinicians, how non-clinical UDA activity will be recognised and counted, and how payments will be calculated where activity levels change. It also clarifies the information required for associates to fully understand how their performance will align with wider contractual requirements placed on your practice.
Clarity on clawback is vital. If your practice does not meet its contractual activity levels, the agreement should explain how any shortfall will be attributed, what information will be shared with associates, and how decisions will be made if performance is affected by circumstances beyond the associate’s control. This transparency reduces the risk of disputes and supports fair decision-making.
These contractual changes in England also highlight the importance of reviewing agreements regularly. Practices must ensure that terms remain up to date, reflect current obligations and provide a clear structure for communication, dispute resolution, and ongoing review.
This guidance explains how to use the 2026 BDA Associate Contract, why these changes are necessary and how they can support a positive, compliant, and sustainable working relationship between you and your associates.
