Latest Blog Posts

• Welcome news on NHS pension changes

  Some much-needed lifting of restrictions and fixes to pension scheme problems are long overdue.

  Blog Date 16 March, 2023

• Wales: Is GDS contract reform running out of road?

  We are working hard to ensure that dentists and dental teams have a public voice. NHS dentistry contract reform is at a pivotal point and its current impact on practices needs to be understood by government.

  Blog Date 16 March, 2023

• Scotland: Applying for a Dental Vocational Training Number via 'Equivalence'

  We explore how dentists make an application for a Vocational Training number on the grounds that experience, and training has been acquired which should be regarded as equivalent to Vocational Training. We also look at the most appropriate contract dentists should be engaged on by practices.

  Blog Date 14 March, 2023

• Northern Ireland: The benefits of dental nursing apprenticeships

  Following national apprenticeships week, we have been exploring the benefits and challenges of nursing apprenticeships for those considering being one and hiring one.

  Blog Date 13 March, 2023

• Wales: Winds of change propel dentists towards private practice

  The mounting problems with the reform of NHS dentistry in Wales and the funding constraints are two key factors causing associates to vote with their feet. Many practices are taking stock and revisiting their business models, including conversion partially or wholly to private provision.

  Blog Date 2 March, 2023

• Eating Disorders Awareness Week and oral health

  This week marks Eating Disorder Awareness Week, and we must recognise that patients’ dietary habits often play a vital role in their oral health.

  Blog Date 2 March, 2023

• Moving away from NHS commitment and the impact on pension savings

  Your NHS pension can be affected by decreasing levels of NHS work, something often triggered by diversifying into private general practice.

  Blog Date 1 March, 2023

• Wales: Political tide must turn to save GDS contract reform

  ​We examine your views following our survey on the GDS contract reform volumetrics, or the UDA-only option, and the choices you are facing for 2023-24. A rapid report reveals a bleak picture ahead.

  Blog Date 27 February, 2023

• Northern Ireland: Urgent answers sought ahead of new financial year

  We have written to the Department of Health seeking urgent clarification on the General Dental Service (GDS) financial arrangements for 23/24.

  Blog Date 24 February, 2023

• 4 things you need to know about your pay

  ​We fight your corner as the Government, once again, intends to impose significant real terms pay cuts on NHS dentists.

  Blog Date 24 February, 2023

• The challenges facing dental students of today

  Students today face several challenges, from managing finances and fees alongside cost of living to the dedication and hard work required to complete the course.

  Blog Date 23 February, 2023

• Wales: Is the UDA-only contract a port in the storm?

  We look at why the UDA-only option might work better for some practices in the forthcoming financial year and examine the journey of leaving contract reform and reverting to the UDA-only contract.

  Blog Date 15 February, 2023

• Wales: GDS contract reform at difficult crossroads

  ​After 10 months of working with new GDS volumetrics, or the UDA-only option, we have provided an overview of the choices NHS dentists are facing for 2023-24. We want to hear what your future holds and urge you to share your views in our short survey.

  Blog Date 10 February, 2023

• Scotland: The year ahead

  This year we look for a way forward after the significant challenges faced by the dental profession over the past 12 months.

  Blog Date 10 February, 2023

• Northern Ireland: Keeping dentistry viable

  A year after becoming Chair of the Northern Ireland Dental Practice Committee (NIDPC), the word Sisyphean feels especially appropriate when describing the challenges we face in trying to make NHS dentistry work.

  Blog Date 1 February, 2023

• Wales: Open letter addresses the uncertain future of NHS dentistry

  We have written an open letter to the Welsh Government after the publication of end-of-year reconciliation guidance has ignored our clear recommendations to secure the future of the profession.

  Blog Date 20 January, 2023

• Northern Ireland: Encouraging the profession to connect with each other

  Dentistry has faced a challenging few years, the new 2023 branch programme will offer opportunities for clinicians to connect and support each other.

  Blog Date 16 January, 2023

• Top tips for competitive associate pay

  ​Associates often ask us what percentage is fair for splitting costs with practice owners. We recommend reaching a figure based on the individual circumstances of each practice.

  Blog Date 12 January, 2023

• The four nations' wishes for 2023

  ​As we enter the new year BDJ In Practice has asked each of the four British Dental Association offices across the UK's nations to reflect on the past year's struggles and set wishes on how to improve the situation for 2023 and beyond.

  Blog Date 11 January, 2023

• Upcoming tax implications linked to employment type

  The subject of whether somebody is employed or self-employed for tax purposes is currently a hot topic with HMRC. It is a complex subject and relies on tax case law rather than tax legislation.

  Blog Date 10 January, 2023

• How associate contracts can offer independence

  Associates are self-employed. Self-employed people have freedom and independence. They control how work is carried out and have influence over their earnings.

  Blog Date 10 January, 2023

• Northern Ireland: Reviewing a rollercoaster year

  ​This year, we have worked to ensure that everyone has a voice within our profession, while acknowledging our different approaches, and presenting with a united front and a unified message.

  Blog Date 14 December, 2022

• Northern Ireland: CDS workforce issues raised with DoH

  A range of important issues affecting the Community Dental Service (CDS) workforce have been raised with the Department of Health (DoH).

  Blog Date 12 December, 2022

• Supporting you through a difficult year

  ​2022 has been a difficult year for dentists, our advice team has been talking to members and giving support with a wide range of issues.

  Blog Date 6 December, 2022

• Scotland: New SAS contract available

  As the festive season builds and a new year approaches Speciality and Associate Specialists (SAS) dentists and doctors are seeing a reformed contract, offering significant progression from the previous version.

  Blog Date 6 December, 2022

• Northern Ireland: Understanding the role of NIC

  The Northern Ireland Council of the British Dental Association (NIC) plays an important role representing the views of dentists across the country.

  Blog Date 5 December, 2022

• Wales: The important role of Welsh speaking dentists

  The ability to speak Welsh brings a wide range of benefits to patients including building a strong rapport and helping to give reassurance. Welsh is more than just a language, for the comfort of patients it’s important to overcome the barriers.

  Blog Date 1 December, 2022

• England: Hospital trainees share your views

  The British Medical Association (BMA) plans to ballot its hospital trainee membership on industrial action. We are currently undertaking an indicative survey of our members to find out your views, act now to make sure your voice is heard.

  Blog Date 30 November, 2022

• Scotland: Facing the challenges in dentistry together

  ​I began my role as Director of BDA Scotland a few weeks ago and I have been considering the current challenges and opportunities facing dentistry in Scotland.

  Blog Date 17 November, 2022

• A different type of associate and practice owner relationship

  What worker status might mean for you.

  Blog Date 16 November, 2022