BDIA Regulatory FAQs
Device Regulation FAQs
Dental and medical devices are strictly regulated to ensure that the products on the market are safe and effective. Manufacturers, distributors and others involved in the supply chain all have obligations under the regulations.
Dental professionals also have an important role to play, and we have prepared a series of short regulatory explainers to help members of the dental team understand the importance of regulation and how to make sure that you and your practice remain compliant.
Medical device regulation
What is device regulation and why does it matter?
If you’re new to device regulation and what it means for the products you use in your practice, this is the place to start. This FAQ will cover:
- What is a medical device?
- How devices are classified
- Who is responsible for regulation of medical devices
- What are my responsibilities as a dental professional?
Counterfeit and non-compliant devices
What are the risks, and what steps do I need to take?
Counterfeit and non-compliant devices can put you and your patients at risk, so it’s important to understand the dangers of these products and what you can do to avoid them. This FAQ will cover:
- The different types of counterfeit and non-compliant devices
- How to tell whether a device is genuine
- What to do if you suspect a device is counterfeit or non-compliant
- The risks of using counterfeit or non-compliant devices.
Importing medical devices
Can medical devices be imported into Great Britain?
The importation of medical devices is regulated to ensure that the MHRA has oversight of the products being placed on the market. This FAQ will cover:
- The requirements for importing a medical devices into Great Britain
- Personal importation of medical devices
- Using imported devices or supplying them to others
- How these requirements are enforced.
Chairside manufacturing
What are the requirements for producing custom made devices?
Technologies such as CAD/CAM and 3D printing mean that it’s possible to produce custom-made medical devices, such as crowns and bridges, within the dental practice. Doing so comes with additional regulatory requirements, and this FAQ will cover:
- The types of device covered by these requirements
- The registration, labelling and post-market obligations you will have
- How to produce a custom-made device statement
- Product marking of custom-made devices.
DENTAL SHOWCASE
Our Events
- September 23, 2026
- This two‑day conference is set to bring fresh ideas, forward‑thinking discussions, and valuable connections from across the industry.
We have lift‑off! The BDIA National Conference 2026 is officially on the horizon, and we’re taking the event somewhere truly inspiring — the National Space Centre in Leicester.
Make sure 23–24 September 2026 is firmly in your diary, as this two‑day conference is set to bring fresh ideas, forward‑thinking discussions, and valuable connections from across the industry.
Across the programme, delegates can expect thought‑provoking speakers, practical sessions, and opportunities to explore the innovations shaping our sector — all within a venue designed for curiosity, discovery, and big thinking.
Further details, including registration information and programme highlights, will be released soon. For now, we invite you to save the date and get ready for an event that promises insight, inspiration, and a setting that’s truly out of this world.
Why Attend?
Over 2 days of Planetarium Plenaries, breakout sessions and learning, dozens of speakers will be covering issues ranging from business resilience to new technologies, insights into dental corporates to AI, and dental regulation to leadership and wellbeing, with much more too.
Our very popular global leader’s session will return featuring live input from around the world, as well as a Question Time session featuring a host of industry leaders, sessions on the economics of dentistry, a look at technology and innovation, and the impact of AI.
What to Expect
- Hear from 25+ industry leaders
- Our very popular global leader’s session will return featuring live input from around the world
- Great networking opportunities with peers in an unforgettable venue
Download agenda
- May 6, 2026
- We are currently progressing several strands of work, including the establishment of a new Sector Skills Board, the creation of a comprehensive Sector Skills Plan, and the development of a suite of dental engineering training modules.
Further to the successful launch of the BDIA 35 under 35 programme, the BDIA has continued its commitment to education by seeking to develop a sector wide approach to skills development.
Several strands of work are being explored, including the setting up of a new Sector Skills Board, Production of a comprehensive Sector Skills Plan and the development of a suite of dental engineering training modules.
We are now seeking the support and views of members to explore these ideas and find out more about the critical areas for you.
In the meantime, we kindly ask you to complete a short survey to help us better understand the current landscape and needs across our sector by Friday 24 February – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LT7SJC9
Date: 6th May 2026, 10:30 – 11:30
Agenda:
- What is the BDIA Skills Plan
- Presentation from our Skills Partner
- Identify the key priorities and move forward with a plan to address these.
- Questions and Answers
Speakers to include:
- Edmund Proffitt, Chief Executive, BDIA
- Matt Turner, President, BDIA
- Mark Hyde, Commercial Director, BDIA
- Jamie Crinigan, Managing Director, Skills4
Gallery of Dental Showcase Events
Join us in championing the dental industry
Join the BDIA today and take your dental business to the next level. Whether you are a manufacturer, supplier, or service provider, the BDIA offers a range of resources and benefits to support your success.
