The latest news and blogs from the BDA

THE LATEST

News articles

Northern Ireland: Accessing pension statements

Tips on troubleshooting if you have encountered any issues.

England: Charge hike a kick in the teeth for millions on modest incomes

We’ve slammed the latest increase in NHS patient charges, stressing these ‘stealth cuts’ will not put a penny into the cash-strapped service.

Dentist numbers expansion: Seismic change and quick fix from Government

The expansion of dentist numbers plan is not a long-term, sustainable solution to the crisis we face.

We’ll spell out the facts in private care investigation

Government falsely claiming project will ease access and cost of living crises. We will work to ensure the CMA understand the complex realities of delivering private dentistry.

England: £900m clawback reflects perversity of failed contract

We have worked alongside the BBC to reveal how £900 million of budget has been handed back by dentists - reflecting the perversity of the broken contract our members are working within.

Inaction leaves young dentists drowning in debt

Plan 2 reform must remain on the table.

Dental graduates left drowning in debt need lifeline

We have warned ministers that sweeping reform to the terms of Plan 2 Loans are urgently required. Without real change we risk leaving a generation drowning in debt that will never be repaid, which will only fuel the exodus from the NHS.

England: Horrific extractions stats must spur real effort from government

Decay extractions up 11% on last year, as access crisis bites.

Wales: Callousness or incompetence

Dentists given weekend to decide future of NHS provision.

Scotland: Prior approval and mandatory training changes announced

The Scottish Government have said Payment Reform was intended as a first step in ensuring sustainability of NHS dental services. The announcement made in PCA(D)(2026)2 outlines the next steps in the reform programme for NHS dental services.

Northern Ireland: Earlier payment date confirmed for 2025-26 General Dental Services arrears

Our intervention on the unacceptable delay has resulted in accelerated payments.

Scotland: Chief Dental Officer issues clarification on Declaration of Compliance of Terms of Service PCA

Further information has been given on emergency cover.

More news

THE LATEST

Blog posts

Increasing numbers: A look behind Government plans for international dentist expansion

BDA Chief Executive Martin Woodrow takes a closer look at the implications of these changes on GDC waiting lists, working conditions of overseas dentists, and the existing workforce.

BDA Northern Ireland host GDC in Belfast

Tristen Kelso, Northern Ireland Director, discusses ongoing engagement with the regulator on important issues facing dentists here, including shrinking Health Service dentistry, dental tourism and workforce planning.

How we develop fair associate agreements for you in a shifting landscape

NHS contracts in England and Wales are changing, so here is what we factor into your associate agreement.

A new chapter? Representing your views to the GDC

Lauren Harrhy, BDA Deputy Chair responsible for regulation and education, shares her experience of a unique opportunity to engage with the GDC.

A connected profession: Why collaboration matters more than ever

Working closely across specialties means we work better, and realise how much we have in common.

The root canal that never happened: How early curiosity shaped a purposeful career in dentistry

Natalie Bradley looks at how a cancelled root canal treatment led to a career in dentistry, from special care to consultant to leadership

England: Contract changes from April 2026: How we are shaping the final deal

GDPC Chair Shiv Pabary MBE: "As NHS England moves towards implementing contract changes, we are clear that improvements are long overdue, but the details matter."

Wales – reform to revolt

Dr Russell Gidney reflects on Welsh Government's approaches to NHS dentistry post COVID, in light of the new 2026 GDS contract.

Supporting and empowering members in 2026

We are introducing new ways to help you develop professionally, build your skills, and make the most of your membership.

A message from the BDA Northern Ireland Director: Moving forward into 2026

Tristen Kelso on why a productive year has strengthened the push for deeper dental system reform and investment.

Grassroots voices shaping contract reform negotiations

As Government engages in initial talks with us on contract reform, we are determined to gather grassroots input to guide our negotiating team’s engagement with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Making the case for a fair NHS pay rise

As the service continues to face significant challenges, we set out exactly why decisive action and better remuneration would be wholly deserved.

More blogs

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