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  5. UDA contract changes: Information and advice

From 1 April 2026, the NHS contract in England will change in a number of areas from urgent care to complex care, and prevention to quality improvement. The changes coming into effect from April are meaningful improvements, but certainly not the final destination. Ultimately, our goal is clear: Phase out the UDA entirely and replace it with a prevention-focused contract.

We are here to help you navigate the changes to the UDA contract with confidence and clarity.

Information

UDA contract changes explained

From 1 April 2026, the NHS contract is changing in England - find out what it means for you.

UDA contract proposals impact on associates

The proposals for contractual change introduce new ways of getting paid for NHS work, which will affect associates.

Contract change England (webinar recording)

Free access for everyone: A recording of a webinar that took place on Thursday 15 January that discussed the changes to the UDA contract for dentists working in England.

Member resources

Advice

BDA Associate Contract (NHS and mixed in England): Guide for associates

Advice on our model Associate Contract and how it can help you update and strengthen your associate agreement in light of the 2026 NHS contract changes in England.

Advice

BDA Associate Contract (NHS and mixed in England): Guide for practice owners

Advice on our model Associate Contract and how to use it when updating your associate agreements in light of the 2026 NHS contract changes in England.

Advice

Understanding the licence fee in associate agreements

The licence fee is a longstanding feature of the BDA Associate Contract and other model associate agreements, yet it is often misunderstood. Our advice clearly explains what a licence fee is, and how it should be interpreted in associate agreements.

Advice

Managing non-attendance in dental practices providing NHS care in England

Advice on how practices should manage non-attendance under the NHS in England and how best to mitigate the impact on your business.

Advice

Managing NHS unscheduled care activity in England

The unscheduled care mandate in NHS dentistry in England will introduce significant changes to how urgent and unplanned care is delivered and funded from April 2026.

Advice

Terminating your NHS dental contract in England

Advice on what to do if you are considering terminating your NHS dental contract in England.

Other pages

FAQs: UDA contract change proposals

We answer your questions on the UDA contract changes in England.

Event

NHS Contract (England) - Associates (webinar recording)

Exclusive access for members: This is a recording of a webinar that was delivered on Tuesday 3 March to help associate members understand how to work with the new NHS contract, including changes to associate agreements and how to make sure pay is fair.

 

We will publish additional advice and resources for members once Government publishes the final details. Please review your email preferences to stay in the know.

 

Bespoke help when you need it

1-2-1 advice for Extra and Expert members

As an Extra or Expert member, you can rely on unlimited, one-to-one support from our industry experts whenever you need it. Whether you need quick guidance or in-depth support, our expert advisors are here to help.
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Limited offer

15 months membership for the price of 12

Changes to NHS dentistry are coming to England and we're here to help you navigate them. For a limited time, join as an Essential member, and get 15 months of expert advice and support for the price of 12.
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