Next year, we will build on the progress we have made, strengthening our offer across representation, advice, indemnity, and learning. None of this happens in isolation; it is only possible because of your continued support. That commitment enables us to build on that foundation year after year. As we look ahead to 2026, we are planning new ways to make your membership even more valuable, with practical resources, strategic guidance, and opportunities at every stage of your career.
Representing dentists in all UK nations
We will continue to drive the case for meaningful NHS reform across the UK, while representing both NHS and private dentistry. That balanced approach will be especially important if, as anticipated, the Competition and Markets Authority investigate the private dental market. Our commitment is the same in every nation; we work with key stakeholders, including devolved governments to shape policy across the whole system.
In England, we will keep pressing for fundamental contract reform to secure a contract for NHS dentistry that is fit for purpose. Alongside this, we will work with government and the profession to deliver the interim reforms due for implementation in April 2026.
In Northern Ireland, a new Central Dental Advisory Committee will meet in January to provide strategic direction on service provision. Professor Ciaran O’Neill will undertake the Cost-of-Service Review, and we will support members throughout. Results are expected in March, and they will inform the future shape of General Dental Services.
In Scotland, we will publish our 2026 manifesto ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary elections. We will continue to engage closely with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders to influence policy across all parts of the system.
In Wales, we will support and inform members through the 2026 General Dental Services reform process. We will also continue our work on the Community Dental Services vision paper, which highlights the urgent need to strengthen services for some of Wales’ most vulnerable patients.
Expanding our targeted advice on dentistry
Members already have immediate access to high quality advice, regardless of branch of practice or membership tier. In 2026, there will be even more advice, downloads, webinars and case studies available online. This will include in-depth guidance on NHS and business matters, associateships, employment law, compliance, and pensions.
Early in the year we will launch our refreshed associate contract review service, so members can be confident about getting a fair deal and understanding their rights.
Environmental sustainability matters to many of you. With that in mind, we are developing a new suite of advice, downloads and CPD for release at the start of 2026. These resources will share simple, practical steps that can add up to a meaningful impact.
As changes in England and the new contract in Wales come into force, we will publish updated advice and resources to support members in adapting to the changes.
Maintaining members’ peace of mind with indemnity
We will continue to develop our market-leading, occurrence-based indemnity for dentists working in an increasingly complex professional environment. As clinical practice and regulation evolve, our focus remains on practical guidance and responsive support when you need it most.
Offering a wider choice of stimulating learning
This year, around half of our members used the CPD Hub to access learning and resources. In 2026, there will be even more opportunities, whether at local or national in-person events or online via CPD on-demand. Members will see new legal and ethical topics added to Core CPD on Demand, alongside an updated equality, diversity, and inclusion programme and new courses to support members in meeting compliance requirements.
Our branch and section network continues to grow into 2026 with a notable increase in CPD and networking events. Our committees of local dentists are building a diverse programme of daytime and evening courses and events, covering topics from complaints handling to occlusion.
As the year begins, we continue our popular series of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) events, available virtually or in-person.
In February, there is a periodontology masterclass with Reena Wadia for dentists, hygienists, and therapists, covering key guideline updates, referral recommendations, and the new classification system.
We will continue to grow our affiliate membership for overseas-qualified dentists, and expand our popular lecture series for overseas-qualified dentists starting out in the UK. There are monthly events until April, with the price included with membership.
Internationally renowned speaker Dr Francesca Vailati joins us in September to share insight on adhesive dentistry, functional rehabilitation, occlusal instability, and functional conflicts.
Backing the next generation of leaders
We are looking forward to working with the next generation of leaders, with a new cohort having started our Future Leaders Programme in October 2025. A record number of dental students applied. Participants are paired with board members, gaining leadership training, and building strong networks with peers and experienced professionals.
Running in parallel is BDA Launchpad: Impact and Insight, an online series for ambitious final-year students who were unable to join the fully booked Future Leaders Programme.
Thank you
None of these plans would be possible without the continued support of our members. Your commitment is the reason we can aim high and achieve more. Together, we can shape the future of dentistry and deliver lasting change. Thank you for being the driving force behind everything we will do in 2026.
