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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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 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.

Health Service dentistry in Scotland: An overview for practice owners

Guidance for practice owners on the key requirements for providing NHS dentistry in Scotland.

Joining and leaving the dental list in Scotland

Guidance for dentists on the requirements and procedures for joining or leaving the dental list in Scotland including information for dentists who wish to apply for a vocational training number on the grounds of experience and training.

Providing NHS dentistry in Scotland

Guidance on providing patient care under NHS dentistry in Scotland, including continuing care, capitation, and the key terms of service that govern practice.

Taking short breaks and leaving the NHS Pension Scheme

Understand the implications of taking breaks from your NHS pension, and what to do if you wish to discontinue your NHS pension.

Retirement and ill-health retirement

Advice on your options when you are seeking to retire from your NHS pension scheme.

The NHS Pension Scheme

The NHS Pension Scheme is a UK-wide scheme that is open to all employed and self-employed dentists working directly for the NHS.

Associateships in Northern Ireland

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

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.

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.

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

BlogTuesday 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.

BlogFriday 24 Apr 2026

Where next for dentistry in Scotland?

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

BlogThursday 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.

BlogFriday 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.

Victoria Michell, Head of the NHS and Business team, smiling confidently towards the camera

NHS contracts and tendering