NHS dental contracts and tendering advice for UK dentists

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ADVICE FOR MEMBERS

NHS contract changes in England and Wales

Changes to the UDA contract in England and fundamental reforms of the NHS contract in Wales came into effect on 1 April. Whether you are a practice owner or associate member, we are here to support you. Visit our information hubs to find out more.

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

Guidance for practice owners on the NHS dental contract changes in England taking effect in April 2026, and what they mean for service delivery, activity, and remuneration.

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.

Managing non-attendance in dental practices providing NHS care in England

Advice on how practices should manage non-attendance under the NHS in England and how best to mitigate the impact on your business.

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.

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.

NHS dental performers list in England

Guidance on the NHS dental performers list in England, including eligibility, applying to join, ongoing obligations, reviews, appeals, and leaving the list. This list is administered on behalf of NHS England by Primary Care Support England (PSCE).

How NHS GDS contracts in Wales are remunerated

Guidance on how NHS General Dental Services (GDS) contracts in Wales are remunerated under the reformed funding framework from April 2026. Although we are still hoping to receive a model contract, this is our advice on what we know so far.

Welsh NHS dental contract vignettes explained

Guidance on the Welsh Government’s vignettes, published to accompany contract reform in Wales. We have produced this advice based on the 1 April version of the vignettes and will update this when the final version is released.

Exclusively for BDA members

On-demand webinar: NHS care packages

From late June, new NHS care packages and changes to denture modification claims will affect contract delivery in England. This webinar will help you understand the changes and how they may impact your work and practice.

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UDA contract changes in England - decorative

Related blogs

Blog Tuesday 16 Jun 2026

Change at the top and reform at risk

If we do not see urgency, stability and funding from Government, then NHS dentistry may not have a future.

Blog Friday 24 Apr 2026

Where next for dentistry in Scotland?

Gillian Lennox, Scottish Dental Practice Committee Chair, considers the future of NHS dentistry in Scotland.

Blog Thursday 2 Apr 2026

An unhappy birthday

After 20 years of the Units of Dental Activity we need nothing less than a decisive break, underpinned by proper funding.

Blog Friday 20 Mar 2026

Wales: Securing stability in a year of change

Russell Gidney, Chair of the WGPDC, on our efforts to secure improvements to the new GDS contract.

For extra and expert members

Contact our NHS and business team

Alongside our online guidance, get unlimited, tailored advice by phone or email. Our team can help Extra and Expert members with all aspects of running a NHS, private or mixed practice, including NHS contract terms and variations, clawback and breach or remedial notices.

NHS contracts and tendering