Entering the new year places the UDA (Units of Dental Activity) deadline just two months away. Principals and dental management teams will be assessing the projected delivery against their NHS contractual expectations – and optimising UDA performance in all strategic decision-making in the coming weeks. For those with concerns about fulfilling targets, now is the time to take decision action and optimise productivity across the practice.
The challenges surrounding the UDA system
As all in the field will know, the UDA system intends to measure the access and delivery of the NHS dental system, with different measurable units for different bands of treatments, reflecting the amount of work involved.[i]
Although the concept is straightforward, maintaining consistency in fulfilling these targets is – and continues to grow more – difficult in practice. As per the NHS dental contract management arrangement, when practices fall short, the result is financial recoupment.[ii] Furthermore, practices that repeatedly underperform risk inhibiting contract renewal and income stability. Staying on track is not always as simple as it might seem, as various complications can set back the attainment of these targets. These unanticipated circumstances can lead to mounting pressures, hindering the ability to achieve at least 90% of the allocated UDAs per year.ii
Such complications include: patient cancellations, clinical absence, a continuum of recruitment difficulties, or simply operational disruptions. Many practices are at the staff-to-treatment capacity, making it difficult to overcome unforeseen shortfalls without additional support. This means practices need long-term planning, not short-term reaction to reach their goals. As such, the prompt identification of risks and setbacks can support the interventions necessary. This can be particularly beneficial when looking to be as prepared as possible for the UDA deadlines in future years.
Pressure on teams
The strain on NHS dental staff is continuously growing, with a huge 84% of practice owners reporting increasing stress, and 74% of practice owners’ concerns related to recruitment – significantly higher than practices with a greater private commitment.[iii]
This figure is expedited by the feeling of falling behind on UDAs, with the fear that they’re unable to catch up. The strain that dental professionals feel between patient care and administrative load leads to extreme staff burnout, creating an even greater problem when March’s UDA deadline arrives. The consequences of these building pressures affecting performance can be solved through preparations.
When practices are more prepared – with a set plan in place – stress among clinicians is significantly reduced, establishing a much more efficiently running workplace. Removing the strains of deadlines permits an improved environment for clinical excellence and higher patient satisfaction.
The power of locum support
Practices experiencing the strains of workload and deadlines – looking to increase capacity without long-term staff commitment – often find effective solutions through the support of locum professionals. They can provide immediate support when it’s needed most, offering practices flexible resolutions to both patient and contractual demands. The incorporation of locum assistance not only reduces wait times and increases appointment availability, but helps meet UDA deadlines without compromising schedules.
Locums also offer the reassurance of continued aid during periods of clinician absence or more demanding seasonal periods. Though renowned for their short-term assistance, many practice owners now use locum support proactively throughout the year, regulating workflow, enhancing patient access, and – importantly – reducing the stress build-up among core teams whilst striving towards targets.
Support that truly delivers
Accessing essential locum support efficiently is facilitated with the support of proficient recruitment partners. Dental Elite offers more than a decade of experience in sourcing and assisting the hiring of locum dental nurses, dental hygienists, associates, and more – understanding the nuances of UDA expectations thoroughly. Supporting practices through contractual challenges, the team at Dental Elite streamlines the administrative burden of sourcing, screening, and shortlisting candidates – delivering peace of mind by providing direct access to a pool of skilled dental professionals.
Dental Elite’s incredible online visibility means that when complications surface, contractual targets can still be attained. As mentioned by a recent client, “Dental Elite goes above and beyond to find locum dentists… listening carefully to the specific needs to ensure the perfect match for your requirements.”
Keeping up with deadlines
With the demands of NHS treatment continuously growing, preparing for inevitable pressures beyond current capacity is vital. With the March deadline approaching, proactive support can be the difference between hitting targets and facing clawback – and locum capacity continues to be one of the most effective ways to protect both your workload and your contract.
For more information contact Dental Elite. Visit www.dentalelite.co.uk, email info@dentalelite.co.uk or call 01788 545 900
Author: Luke Moore, Founder and Director of Dental Elite
[i] Prototype exit arrangements. Dental reform contract transitional guidance. Managing practices and patients in transition. April 2022. https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2020/03/B1127-Dental-reform-contract-transactional-guidance-5-April-2022.pdf [Accessed November 2025]
[ii] NHS (2023) Guidance on dental contract management arrangements for 2023/24 year-end reconciliation, NHS choices. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/guidance-on-dental-contract-management-arrangements-for-2023-24-year-end-reconciliation/ (Accessed: 18 November 2025).
[iii] Buckland, E. (2024) ‘Supporting you during declining morale in dentistry’, BDA. Available at: https://www.bda.org/news-and-opinion/blog/supporting-you-during-declining-morale-in-dentistry/ (Accessed: 2025).
