BDA student membership is a force for change, shaping your successful career

Going from dental school to professional practice is an exciting prospect. Right now it might be a challenge balancing clinical exams, coursework and early exposure to patients, so let us help. We are unique as the UK’s only dental trade union and membership organisation, and we can help you build a sustainable and fulfilling dental career with easy access to a huge array of resources and support.

As a BDA student member, you’re strongly connected with your future profession, so you gain insight and clarity about where you’re going, and we give you the guidance you need to achieve it.

The benefits of membership extend past graduation and throughout your career. There are so many reels and so much to read about dentistry online, but you know you can trust our fact-checked information. You’ll enter foundation training on a strong footing, and be best placed to enter dental practice.

Wellbeing

Dentistry is challenging and things can get too much sometimes. We champion dentists’ welfare so we support you on the issues that matter to dentists, and the things that may be bothering you outside of dentistry too.

With BDA student membership you can instantly access a range of health and wellbeing services including 24/7 confidential counselling and a selection of other resources. We have practical guidance on managing stress and balancing the demands of practising dentistry while maintaining an enjoyable personal life.

Shape dentistry with us

Your voice is louder when you join the call with dentists and dental students across the UK. We shout about dentists’ interests in everything from education and employment to clinical practice, and we pressure the Government to act. Over the years we have achieved better conditions for dentists and patients, and improved public health, so join us in actively shaping the dental field for you and for everyone. Together, we are stronger.

Networking

We organise a range of local and national events to help you build connections with peers and dentists who are working where you want to be in the future. Broaden your knowledge on clinical, regulatory or business matters, or attend a social event for fun.

When you join us as a student you get a deeper insight into the culture of dentistry, which can help you now and later. That means you have a clearer specific understanding of the options available, so you can make more informed decisions about your next steps.

Researching your career

What do you want to do after you graduate? Learn more about your chosen path or just get ideas in our career hub. Access practical advice on writing CVs, preparing for interviews and applying for Dental Foundation Training, as well as mock Situational Judgement Tests.

Having access to all these resources means you can reflect on the direction you want to take and how to get there, with all the information in one place. Whether it’s private practice, community dentistry or another specialty, our resources answer your questions and help you plan.

The idea of moving from dental school to foundation training, and on to independent practice can be a lot to get your head around. When you’re a BDA student member, those transitions are more manageable and predictable because you have dedicated career advice and resources.

Library and journals

Student membership is an obvious financial choice. You’ll be able to use our large and comprehensive dental library, and make back the low annual fee the first time you use our library instead of buying a book.

Membership also includes online access to our renowned dental journal, the BDJ plus your own online magazine - BDJ Student.

Practical financial support

Being a dental student is expensive - not just tuition fees but the equipment and materials you need. When you take out student membership we give you discounts and other benefits to lighten the load.

You'll get a discount on the annual British Dental Students’ Association (BDSA) conference; an exciting event where you can speak to dentists from all over the UK. You are also eligible for cheaper entry to the BDSA Sports Day, held in a different location each summer, where you can get active, have fun and network.

Representing you

We fight for everything dental, from government negotiations over NHS contracts to better regulation. The more of us that stand together the stronger we become, and we want you to go into the field as a new dentist with the most favourable conditions possible.

As a student member you can get involved in practical activities now that upskill you for making a bigger difference in the future. Students who take part in the Future Leaders Programme or join our Student Committee say they gain confidence and build skills like professional communication and more effective teamwork. When it comes to interviews and working in a practice, these skills set you up for success.

Your commitment to the dental community

Being a BDA student member is about being part of a dynamic community, and it shows your commitment to professional values like ethics, teamwork, and lifelong learning. Building your professional identity with the support of like-minded dentists now means that when you graduate, you will begin your career with a strong and stable foundation. Having early insider information and gaining confidence enables you to do an even better job treating your patients.

What’s your ambition? To run your own practice? Specialise? Contribute to dental research or policy? Whatever you choose, the BDA will back you all the way through a flourishing dental career. Join our community of student dentists today – your future self will thank you for it.