UDA contract changes: What you need to know

Our goal is clear: Phase out the UDA (Units of Dental Activity) entirely and replace it with a prevention-focused contract that better supports patients and practices.

We are not there yet, but in ongoing discussions with NHS England, we have aimed to address some of the worst aspects of the UDA contract, and to make the NHS a more attractive and sustainable working environment.

We have advocated for payments to be made in pounds rather than UDAs. This change would help address the inequities caused by the variation in UDA values across practices and support a fairer, more sustainable NHS dental service.

These are meaningful improvements, but they can be better and are certainly not the final destination.

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.

Read our explanation of the changes to understand them and their impact on you

We have been working hard to influence this package for some years and will continue to demand clarity over several important areas of ambiguity. We are already seeking answers on key questions and will be offering a free webinar to outline the changes and take your questions on Thursday 15 January.

We will have new advice and resources, including revised model associate agreements, for members shortly.