What the BDA does

As a professional body and trade union, our duty is to serve the needs of our members.

We work to ensure that the voice of dentists is heard across the UK by providing data, briefings and information to the Government, lobbying for change to improve conditions for dentists and their teams. We listen when members speak up, using your stories and evidence from the frontline to bring dentists together and enact change.

Together we can achieve more than we can individually. Together, we are stronger.

Priorities

Learn about our current priorities.

Lobbying

Learn about our lobbying work in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Take action

Learn how to get involved in our campaigns.

Representation

Future-proofed: A manifesto for dentistry in Scotland

As Scotland goes to the polls, there is no room for complacency. Our manifesto outlines how the next government can improve access, reduce inequalities, support the workforce and secure the future of NHS dentistry.

Read the manifesto

Representation

A manifesto for dentistry in Wales

As we approach the 2026 Senedd election, there is no room for complacency. Untested NHS dentistry policies are driving dentists away and risking the future of the service. Our manifesto calls on the next government to provide a safety net for dentistry, sustainable investment, protection for the most vulnerable, a step change on the workforce, and a change in tone for a healthier Wales.

Read the manifesto

Latest advocacy news

LDC delegates demand Government action following controversial reforms

A series of urgent calls for reform took centre stage at the Local Dental Committees (LDC) Annual Conference in Manchester (4–5 June).

England: DPH workforce - Concessions, but deep cuts remain

We’ve secured some reductions in the level of cuts to the Dental Public Health (DPH) workforce, but these concessions don’t do enough to protect this strategically essential function.

Baby food sales crash, but Government must step up

Exposé into pouches more sugary than Coke hits the industry where it hurts.

Public point finger at NHS dentistry, not dentists

New polling shows sky-high satisfaction with the care patients receive.

Top industry award reflects our commitment to members

We are delighted to have scooped Best In-House Comms Team in the prestigious PRWeek/In.Comms Corporate Affairs Awards 2026.

Northern Ireland: Funding measures acknowledged, but we challenge NI Executive to go further and faster

Moving to full dental payment reform now key.

Wales: Untested reforms mean access crisis will deepen

Patients to face more costly, less frequent care.

Northern Ireland: NI Executive urged to act decisively to support dentistry

Our work pressing for timely payments, and a reminder of key payment dates.

England: Government set to undermine above-inflation pay recommendation

DDRB have made their recommendations on pay, which officials are set to undo by failing to reflect the mounting cost of delivering NHS care.

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.

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.

Together we are stronger

Making a difference for dentistry

Campaigning for change doesn’t just happen; it's powered by members. Join us today.

Become a BDA member