UDA contract changes: Practice owners

Understanding your new contract

Exactly what is changing, when and how? Practices that prepare now will protect their income, stability and teams.

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 Contract (England) - Owners (webinar recording)

Exclusive access for members: This is a recording of a webinar that was delivered on Tuesday 17 March to help practice owners understand how to work with the new NHS contract, including changes to associate agreements and how to make sure pay is fair

Navigating the changes

Information and practical step-by-step support on care packages, unscheduled care, staff appraisals, and more.

Advice

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.

Managing NHS unscheduled care activity in England

The unscheduled care mandate in NHS dentistry in England will introduce significant changes to how urgent and unplanned care is delivered and funded from April 2026.

Terminating your NHS dental contract in England

Advice on what to do if you are considering terminating your NHS dental contract in England.

Courses

Course

Mastering Performance Appraisals

A short course equipping participants with the practical skills to conduct performance appraisals that engage staff, address performance issues constructively, and drive meaningful development

Course

Clinical Audit and Peer Review

This course will give you a clear, practical understanding of clinical audit: what it is, what you are required to do, and how to make the process genuinely useful

Courses

Course

Mastering Performance Appraisals

A short course equipping participants with the practical skills to conduct performance appraisals that engage staff, address performance issues constructively, and drive meaningful development

Course

Clinical Audit and Peer Review

This course will give you a clear, practical understanding of clinical audit: what it is, what you are required to do, and how to make the process genuinely useful

Associate agreements

A well-drafted associate agreement is essential to ensure good governance, effective practice management, and compliance with your NHS contractual obligations. Our revised model Contract incorporates updated terms in light of the UDA changes.

BDA Associate Contract (NHS and mixed in England): Guide for practice owners

Advice on our model Associate Contract and how to use it when updating your associate agreements in light of the 2026 NHS contract changes in England.

Associate agreements: What practices should consider

There are considerations practice owners need to make before drafting an associate agreement. We outline the common factors that can impact on the working relationship between a practice and associates.

Understanding the licence fee in associate agreements

The licence fee is a longstanding feature of the BDA Associate Contract and other model associate agreements, yet it is often misunderstood. Our advice clearly explains what a licence fee is, and how it should be interpreted in associate agreements.

Advice for practice owners

New model BDA Associate Contract

The NHS contractual changes in England place new responsibilities on practices, which require clearer contractual arrangements with associates. Our new model Contract will support a positive, compliant, and sustainable working relationship between you and your associates.

Download the Contract

Business essentials

Build strong foundations for your dental practice with guidance on business planning, managing change, establishing a private practice, and developing effective marketing strategies to support growth and long-term success.

Transitioning to private practice in England and Wales

What to do and when, if you're considering moving to private practice

Establishing a private dental practice

Establishing a private dental practice involves key considerations. We set out the foundations that help set you up for success.

Marketing planning for your dental practice

Enhance the potential of your dental practice with strategic marketing insights aimed to boost growth and engagement.

1-2-1 support

If you're an Extra or Expert member, you have access to unlimited bespoke advice from us via phone or email.

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.