Campaigning for change in UK dentistry

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.

Your path to leadership

Stand in the 2024 BDA elections

This autumn is your chance to shape the future of the BDA and the profession. Seats on our board, committees and councils across the UK are up for election. Step up now to shape strategy and be a powerful advocate for your colleagues.

Find out more

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Latest news

End of industrial action process for hospital trainees

Hospital Dental Trainees in England will soon receive a pay uplift that will amount to an average increase of 22.3% over the course of two years.

Northern Ireland consultants vote to accept pay offer

The BMA Northern Ireland Consultants Committee has formally accepted the Department of Health’s pay offer for consultant doctors and dentists.

Northern Ireland: We seek assurances from the Department of Health on back pay

We are pressing the Department of Health (DoH) to provide assurance to practitioners that the full 6.47% backpay for 2023-24 has now been paid correctly.

England: Progress on pay

Today’s above-inflation 6% pay uplift for high street NHS dentists looks like progress, but after a decade of savage cuts reform must come swiftly to keep the service afloat.

Northern Ireland: Amalgam breakthrough must pave the way for essential dental service reform

On 19 July, the European Commission agreed to the continued use of dental amalgam in Northern Ireland until 31 December 2034, or until a date agreed under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, whichever is earlier.

Scotland: No complacency over future of NHS dentistry

Payment reform represents progress but is not final destination for NHS dentistry in Scotland.

Tell us about the pressures you face in our short GDP survey

We want to understand your views on NHS pay, dentists leaving the field, and patient access to vital services. Make sure your voice gets heard at the most pivotal moment for the profession in decades.

Scotland: Share your views with the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry

The Let’s Be Heard team has developed a specific survey to help the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry understand your views on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Northern Ireland: GDS crisis raised with Stormont Health Committee

On Thursday, we briefed Members of the Legislative Assembly on the seriousness of the situation unfolding within Health Service dentistry.

England: Tie-ins won’t halt exodus from service

‘Tying-in’ inexperienced younger dentists will never compensate for the ongoing losses of older, experienced colleagues fuelled by the discredited NHS contract

Extend miscarriage leave for NHS GDPs

We are calling on NHS England to extend its recently updated miscarriage policy for NHS GDPs.

DoH confirms move on trainee pay scales

The Department of Health (DoH) has confirmed that Dental Core Trainees (DCTs) in Northern Ireland will no longer be paid at Foundation Year 2, but will be placed on higher StR pay scales.