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
- 13/03/2026
- The BIG Bash will shine a spotlight on our shared value of patient care. This event is about the industry and profession coming together to transform thousands of lives in the UK and globally — raising vital funds for Bridge2Aid while also building networks and strengthening business connections.
BDIA Dental Showcase, in partnership with Bridge2Aid and Smile Clinic Group, has joined forces to bring back a much‑loved and much‑talked‑about event.
Celebrating our heritage alongside the modern, vibrant sector it has become today, we invite you to save the date: Friday 13th March 2026 at The Fox, London Excel.
The BIG Bash will shine a spotlight on our shared value of patient care. This event is about the industry and profession coming together to transform thousands of lives in the UK and globally — raising vital funds for Bridge2Aid while also building networks and strengthening business connections.
Bring your team members, clients, potential clients, and leading industry stakeholders to a space where doing business in a great environment will make a difference to thousands of lives. Most importantly, the BIG Bash has a real purpose.
By joining us, you’ll be helping Bridge2Aid continue their vital work supporting marginalised communities around the world who have little or no access to dental care. Your ticket genuinely helps make that possible.
On the night, you can expect:
- A friendly, lively atmosphere
- Plenty of time to chat, connect, and unwind
- Fundraising that directly supports Bridge2Aid’s incredible work
- An arrival drink and finger buffet included with your ticket
If you’re looking for a night that’s fun, meaningful and brings our community together, this is it.
Early Bird Tickets are now available tickets are priced at £50 person, book your tickets
- 14/03/2025
- An unmissable opportunity for the entire practice team, BDIA Dental Showcase provides everything you need to enhance your techniques, improve your Practice, and inspire your team!
BDIA Dental Showcase,
13th – 14th March 2026 London, ExCeL
An unmissable opportunity for the entire practice team, BDIA Dental Showcase provides everything you need to enhance your techniques, improve your Practice, and inspire your team! This free, two-day event is the first opportunity in 2026 to discover the most exciting insights and innovations within dentistry.
You will meet with over 300 of the UK’s leading dental suppliers & manufacturers, source and test thousands of the latest products, equipment, and solutions and take advantage of deals and discounts exclusive to the event! Bringing together the brightest minds and leading clinicians from the dental community, our thought-provoking educational programme provides an invaluable platform.
Discuss the industry’s biggest challenges, debate the newest methods and find solutions to grow your practice and develop your team. With 6 conference theatres, 50+ hours of FREE CPD, over 120 speakers and plenty of dedicated networking zones, there’s no better exhibition in the UK to connect with the entire dental profession.
If you would like to register to visit the show, please click here.
If you are interested in exhibiting, please click here.
Visit dentalshowcase.com for further information.
For decades, BDIA Dental Showcase has been the leading event in dentistry. An event designed to suit the needs of dental professionals and supplier organisations alike.
Supporting the profession for nearly 100 years BDIA Dental Showcase highlights excellence and innovation in UK dentistry.
Uniting the whole dental profession at a key time of year, our first-class exhibition of over 300 leading suppliers and manufacturers provides the perfect environment for visitors to explore the latest innovative products and equipment. You can discuss the practical, hands-on application of the solutions you need to take your practice forward and make the most of special offers and discounts at the event, whilst joining your peers in insightful panel debates and discussions, and hearing from our inspirational line-up of the most talented clinicians from multiple specialities and disciplines in dentistry.
Please head to www.dentalshowcase.com for full details, follow @dentalshowcase on Twitter for updates or contact Portfolio Director David Hussey for more information.
- 10/02/2026
- BDIA Symposium exploring how innovation and manufacturing can drive the future of the UK dental industry. Join us at the Nexus Building at the University of Leeds.
BDIA SYMPOSIUM 2026
The BDIA is partnering with the University of Leeds and Mimetrik to deliver an exciting new event on 10 February 2026 at Nexus, Leeds, exploring how innovation and manufacturing can drive the future of the UK dental industry.
The day will bring together voices from academia, industry, professional bodies, and policy to share best practice, explore opportunities for collaboration, and discuss how to translate research into real-world solutions. Highlights will include keynote presentations, breakout discussions, and workshops focused on regulation, funding, and industry–academic partnerships, with the day closing on a panel Q&A and networking reception.
This will be a must-attend event for anyone passionate about shaping the next chapter of dental innovation in the UK. More details and booking information will follow soon – for now, please save the date.
Venue
Nexus
Discovery Way
University of Leeds
Leeds
LS2 3AA
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.
