Our structure

How the BDA works

We are a not-for-profit organisation, owned and run by our members, who are the heart of everything we do. We invite you to get involved.

The BDA’s constitutional structure is divided between ‘governance’ and ‘representation’, and grasping this fundamental point enables a better understanding of how the BDA works for its members.

Governance

PEC: The BDA has just one decision making body: the Principal Executive Committee, usually referred to as the PEC. The PEC agrees the strategy, policy and business operational plans for the Association, and holds the Chief Executive and his staff to account for their implementation.

Representation

Country councils: Country councils, consisting of representatives elected from local BDA branches (sections in Wales), exist for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Their job is to consider and advise the PEC on all matters relating to dentistry in the country concerned, and to liaise with branches and sections. The Councils are the ‘voice’ of members to the PEC, and members of country councils are an essential link between BDA members and the PEC.

Craft/advisory committees: The advisory committees (some of them referred to as ‘craft’ committees) provide specialist advice to the PEC. This means that the PEC will delegate the detailed work and scrutiny in a particular area to the relevant forum, but it still retains ultimate responsibility for all policy and strategic decisions.

Governance and representation at the BDA (pdf)

The board (PEC) and leadership

The board is the decision-making body. The statutory board of directors makes decisions for the purposes of company law, and the Principal Executive Committee (PEC) for the purposes of trade union law.

Representative committees

Elected members represent their colleagues across branches of practice to ensure that your voices shape the decisions about your professional lives.

Country councils

Consisting of representatives elected from local branches and sections, country councils exist for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Their job is to consider and advise the PEC on all matters relating to dentistry in the country concerned.

Advisory committees

Some committees are appointed directly by the board to deal with particular subject areas, such as health and science. The advisory committees give detailed consideration to policy issues within the remit of their area, but do not have a representative role.

Branches and sections

Our network of 21 branches and sections are the foundation of what we do, offering representation and the ability for members to network at a local level. They offer a varied programme of educational and social events to help raise the profile of the BDA and the profession from a local perspective.

Senior staff

The Chief Executive Officer and Senior Management Team informs, supports, and guides the Principal Executive Committee (PEC).