The latest news and blogs from the BDA

THE LATEST

News articles

Northern Ireland: Pay uplift approved

Dentists to receive backdated uplift, with commitments to prioritising future pay awards.

Informative new videos for Mouth Cancer Action Month

Access short videos on detecting and preventing mouth cancer, produced with input from Professor Gerry McKenna, Vice Chair of the Northern Ireland Council.

Learning disability and autism training for clinical and administrative staff

Guidance on what members of the practice team need to do for both parts of mandatory Oliver McGowan training.

12 percent ARF hike only adds to pressure on dentists

General Dental Council confirms it will raise the Annual Retention Fees (ARF) by 12.4% in 2026. Every penny of this increase must be justified.

Appalled but not surprised: the reality of illegal tooth whitening

BBC investigation lifts lid on fraudsters endangering patients

Professional bodies demand end to attacks on overseas workforce

Healthcare professionals from ‘international backgrounds, or perceived as ethnically distinct from the majority population, are facing a campaign of anti-migrant rhetoric’

Northern Ireland: Cost-of-Service Review gets underway

Detailed study set to examine practice costs to provide care.

New version of the GDC’s Scope of Practice guidance

The revised document is intended to help dental professionals interpret their roles and responsibilities.

Scotland: Combined Practice Inspection consultation survey

Dentists working in Scotland are being asked to complete a survey to help inform a review of the Combined Practice Inspection process.

Wales: Launch of Vision Paper for the Community Dental Service

Renewed focus on the challenges facing the service, with stakeholders calling for action on workforce, access and leadership.

Scotland: Additional SDR changes from 1 November 2025

The Scottish Government has responded to our calls by bringing forward a number of amendments to the Statement of Dental Remuneration (SDR).

Scotland: The end of 9:1 contracts for consultants

A move towards job plans that are more sustainable and tailored.

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THE LATEST

Blog posts

Time to think about your next mortgage

If your mortgage deal is coming to an end, now is the time to review your options.

Northern Ireland: Social connection, support and CPD at branch events

Derek Manson reflects on a busy year and looks forward to the autumn events.

The concerning rise in violence and abuse within the Community Dental Services

Despite treating some of the most vulnerable patients, dentists face increasing threats to personal safety.

SAS dentists as leaders

Anna Dargue, SAS dentist, on raising awareness of the profession and the various roles SAS dentists undertake.

Northern Ireland: What needs to be done for our hospital dental workforce?

Chair of the NI HDSF Darren Johnston on our goals, plus achievements so far in workforce planning, pay, and addressing service delivery gaps.

Shaping care, supporting career paths, and tackling abuse in the CDS

With Community Dental Services across the country facing incredible strain, we came together to chart a future for our service and our vulnerable patients.

Joining the GDPC Private Practice Sub-Committee: My journey to advocacy and connection

New committee member Neelam Prasad reflects on moving into private practice and the value of a support network, mentorship and advocacy.

Northern Ireland: Reflections on GDC engagement

Paul Brennan reflects on a recent roundtable in Belfast with the GDC, outlining the urgent challenges facing dentistry and the need for tailored solutions.

Practising in the UK as an overseas-qualified dentist from Pakistan

Asma Tanweer looks at the differences between dentistry in the UK and Pakistan as an overseas-qualified dentist.

Our number one tip for associates planning maternity leave

Are you a self‑employed associate with maternity leave on the horizon? James Goldman, Associate Director of Advisory Services at the BDA, shares how being proactive now will help in the long run.

Mourning the loss of dentistry’s best friend

It is with great sadness we share news of the passing of Kevin Lewis, a much loved friend, colleague and champion of dentistry

Top tips for competitive associate pay

To keep your salary in line with your expectations, skills, and experience, it is a good idea to request a review of your fees with the practice owner every year. Practice Management Consultant, Sabina Mirza, shares tips to help you feel confident in initiating pay discussions.

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