Advice on the business of UK dentistry

There's a lot involved in delivering the business of dentistry, whether you're in NHS, mixed or private practice. In this section you will find the expert advice and support you need to make your business a success.

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BDA member exclusive

UDA contract changes: Support for practice owners

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 practice owners

for expert members

Downloads for your dental practice

Expert members have access to our popular library of audits, checklists, and templates - giving you a head start in running a safe, compliant and successful practice.

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Recently updated

Recruiting dental staff: Identifying the vacancy, and advertising

This advice describes best practice in advertising for new staff.

Recruiting staff: Welcoming a new employee and the probationary period

Starting a new role can be a daunting experience. This advice page provides a clear and practical overview of how you can welcome staff effectively while meeting your legal and professional responsibilities.

Recruiting staff: Shortlisting, interviewing and selection

This advice describes best practice in interviewing and selecting new staff members.

Recruiting staff: Pre-employment checks

This advice describes the requirement to ensure staff are suited and safe to perform their newly appointed roles.

Sustainability in your dental practice

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

Using artificial intelligence (AI) in dental practice

Guidance for dental practices on the responsible use of AI, outlining regulatory expectations, data protection risks and the limitations of AI-generated advice.

Accepting and treating NHS dental patients

Guidance on the rules and responsibilities that apply when accepting and treating NHS dental patients, including communication, treatment planning, charging, referrals, and managing missed appointments.

Dental activity reviews and NHS practice inspections in England

Guidance for dental practices in England on NHS activity reviews and inspections, including the role of the NHS Business Services Authority and Integrated Care Boards in monitoring compliance and contractual delivery.

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.

Guide to NHS dental standard contract terms in England

Guidance on the key clauses of the NHS General Dental Services (GDS) Contract in England. You should always read your contract, but we have highlighted the provisions that commonly affect how practices operate and manage their contractual responsibilities.

NHS appraisals for dental practice owners in England

Guidance for dental practice owners on NHS appraisal requirements, including responsibilities for self-employed clinicians, eligibility, funding arrangements, and record-keeping obligations.

Skill mix in your practice

Guidance on the benefits and considerations if you are seeking to expand the use of dental care professionals in your practice.

Related events

Event

Making Tax Digital in April (webinar recording)

Free for members: A recording of a webinar that took place on Wednesday 14 January. Arun Mehra helped UK dentists understand and get ready for the upcoming changes under Making Tax Digital, commencing in April 2026.

More business management events

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

BDA CASE STUDY

Case study: The learning curve of transitioning to private practice

How are other dentists going about transitioning from NHS to private dentistry? Learn from Rachele from Delicate Dental, who talked to us about her experience switching adult patients to private treatment.

Find out more

Case Study Transition To Private Practice

You might also be interested in

Employment law

Every practice requires an effective HR function to manage its workforce, policies and compliance with employment law.

HR consultancy

The life of a practice owner is a busy one, and you may not have the employment knowledge or experience to deal with complex HR matters. If you have an employment issue and do not have the time to deal with it, let our consultants take over.

Smiling woman in dental scrubs standing indoors, looking at the camera.

Your dental business