Founded in 1954, by dentists, for dentists

The DPA is the largest organisation that specialises in general dental practice, providing support, advice and representation at all levels. With no funding from the Department of Health, either directly or indirectly. 72 per cent of dentists consider the DPA to be "most representative" of their views.

Join Now

Download an application form and Direct Debit and return it to the DPA or become an instant member by ringing 0207 636 1072 (10am to 4pm) with your Visa, Mastercard or Maestro card.

NEW *** Clinical Negligence Cover

Dental Shield insurance cover, up to £10m (no excess) against any legal liability incurred in the course of professional services to a patient in the exercise of and conduct of your business, arising out of a breach of professional duty consequent on any negligent act, error or omission causing injury. Run-off cover built-in and typically only £1,250 saving you up to £600 annually (see policy wording for details). ONLY available to DPA members.

NEW *** Tax Insurance‡

Up to £50,000 insurance against HMRC full or aspect inquiries, tax intervention enquiries, employer's compliance with PAYE or Social Security Regulations and VAT disputes..

NEW *** Helplines‡

FREE commercial legal advice, tax advice, business assistance and counselling helplines.

NEW *** Business Law Database‡

On-line access to over 600 proforma documents, specimen letters and business guides.

NEW *** Employment Manual‡

Every section of this on-line employment manual can be printed off for your own use.

GDP Journal

Packed full of news and developments in dental practice, both NHS and private, the bi-monthly GDP is a big hit with busy professionals.

Legal Contracts‡

Get the latest version of our leading-ege associate and staff contracts. Updated regularly to stay current with changes in legislation and FREE. Contracts that are easy to understand and apply, but up-to-date from a legal standpoint. Don't fall into the trap regarding the self-employed status of associate providers. All employment contracts come with advice on implementation and support.

nGDS

Don't put your livelihood in the hands of your Local Dental Committee! The DPA can assist you in negotiating with your PCT on terms and conditions - or even negotiate on your behalf. A bargaining unit can be as large as a PCT or as small as a dental practice.

The DPA can also be involved by mutual consent at the consultation stage. Consultation is the process by which management and employees or their representatives jointly examine and discuss issues before making a decision.

Private Fees and Wages Guide

The industry-standard, this guide to private fees and wages is the only one compiled annually from a membership survey of actual expenses. Invaluable when setting your fees and hygienist/nurse wages and FREE to DPA members.

Dentistry Help and Advice Line

Don't know the answer? Or just want to talk to another experienced GDP? Ring the DPA for help and advice on dentistry from qualification to retirement and everything in between.

Web site / Emails

Our up-to-the-minute Web site for busy professionals PLUS optional news alerts if you want important news sent direct to your inbox.

Annual Scientific Meeting

Subjects and speakers of direct relevant to general practice and held in parallel with the AGM and President's Dinner. Members and non-members welcome.

Representation

The DPA is consulted by the General Dental Council, the Department of Health, the Healthcare Commission, Chief Dental Officer, House of Commons Health Committee, the Review Body on Dentists' Remuneration, major political parties and others in the dental world. We can access the appropriate people to get YOUR viewpoint across.

Discount Sundries

The Dental Directory is the DPA's preferred dental dealer. If you spend over £1,000 a month Dental Directory offers DPA members a discount of 15% off its master catalogue prices. Whatever you spend you are guaranteed a minimum of 11%, PLUS an ADDITIONAL 1.5% if ordering on-line. And Dental Directory will supply ANY TEN of your products at near to wholesale prices PLUS a FREE product audit to identify hiqh-quality but substantially less expensive alternatives to materials you currently use. (Registration with Dental Directory is required to receive discounts.)
"No other dental group receives a higher discount benefits package from the Dental Directory." Mike Volk, Marketing Director.

HSBC‡

Does your practice take credit cards? HSBC bank offers special merchant services rates starting at 1.19% for Mastercard/Visa and 13.0p for Maestro/Switch cards, exclusively for DPA members, in addition to preferential personal and business banking packages. (You do not need an HSBC business account to use our Merchant Services package.)

MBNA Credit Card

Have you heard about the DPA Credit Card? As our only official credit card, it has been carefully designed to both promote the DPA and provide great value for you with attractive rates and benefits. The DPA credit card is issued by MBNA Europe Bank Limited, Registered Office: Stansfield House, Chester Business Park, Chester CH4 9QQ. Registered in England number 2783251. For full details of MBNA interest rates and payment requirements please see the terms and conditions of the credit card. Written quotations available on request. Credit is available, subject to status, only to UK residents aged 18 or over. To improve service, some telephone calls are monitored and/or recorded.