The British Dental Industry Association (BDIA) has partnered with the British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) to work more closely together and better support the dental sector.

Both organisations share a common goal: to support the people and businesses that keep dentistry moving forward, while maintaining high standards of patient care. By working together, the BDIA and BADN can offer greater support, share knowledge, and create new opportunities for their members.

Why this partnership makes sense

• Bringing the industry closer together: This partnership connects dental suppliers with dental nurses, helping both sides better understand each other and work more effectively together.
• Supporting learning and development: The BDIA and the BADN will work together to provide useful updates, training, and insights to help dental nurses stay up to date with the latest products and best practices; and to help suppliers understand and appreciate the important role of the dental nurse in the dental team.
• Stronger voice for the profession: By working together, both organisations can speak more clearly on the issues that matter and help represent the needs of the dental community.
• More support for members: Members will benefit from access to more resources, ideas, and opportunities through this collaboration.

“We’re really pleased to be working with the BADN. Dental nurses are at the heart of patient care, and this partnership helps us build a stronger connection between the industry and the people using the products every day. Together, we can offer more support and share valuable knowledge.” — Edmund Proffitt, Chief Executive, British Dental Industry Association

“This is a great opportunity for dental nurses. Working with BDIA means our members can feel more connected to what’s happening across the industry and better supported in their roles. We’re excited about what we can achieve together.” — Carolyn Roberts RDN,  President-elect,  British Association of Dental Nurses

Over the coming months, BDIA and BADN will introduce joint activities, events, and updates to bring this partnership to life and deliver real benefits to members.

The British Dental Industry Association (BDIA) has launched its first Sector Skills Board, bringing together 20 industry leaders to develop a long-term, sustainable approach to skills development and help ensure the sector has the workforce it needs for the future.

The inaugural meeting, held on 29 July 2026, marked the first time that manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, training organisations and the Association of Dental Groups (ADG) had come together through a dedicated industry forum to focus on skills, training and workforce development.

As the dental sector continues to evolve through innovation, changing workforce trends and developments in clinical practice, the need for a skilled and adaptable workforce has never been greater. The new Skills Board has been established to support the industry by fostering collaboration, identifying priorities and championing practical solutions that will help build a strong and sustainable workforce for the future, ensuring the sector is well placed to meet patient needs and deliver high-quality care.

The Board’s first meeting set the direction for its future work, with members agreeing that attracting new talent, developing consistent and measurable industry standards and benchmarks, and supporting workforce retention are three key priorities.

Discussions also explored how the industry can work more closely with education providers and employers to create clearer career pathways, while encouraging greater investment in skills development and training across all roles within the sector.

The launch of the Skills Board reflects a shared ambition across the industry and the wider profession to work together to address future workforce needs. Collaboration with professional partners will be central to the Board’s work, helping to ensure its discussions and initiatives remain aligned with the needs of the profession. By bringing together expertise from across the sector, the Board will provide a forum for sharing knowledge, generating ideas and helping to shape the future of skills within dentistry.

BDIA Commercial Director Mark Hyde said:

“This is an important moment for our industry. We’ve brought together people with a wide range of experience from across the dental sector, all with a shared goal of strengthening skills and supporting the workforce of the future. I would also like to thank everyone who has given their time and expertise to help launch what I believe will be an incredibly exciting and transformational initiative for our industry.”

“There was a real sense of energy in the room at our first meeting. Everyone recognised the opportunities our sector has to offer, and there is a clear willingness to work together to attract new talent, support professional development and retain skilled people across the industry. By working collaboratively, we can help build a stronger workforce that supports innovation, growth and the delivery of high-quality patient care for years to come.”

The Skills Board will meet regularly throughout the year as it develops its programme of work, collaborating with organisations across the dental sector to support skills development, strengthen training opportunities and encourage more people to build rewarding careers within the industry.