British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) members have voted to approve a merger with Community Union. BADN members voted decisively in support of a merger, with some 76.4% voting ‘Yes’ to joining with Community.
Founded in 1940, the BADN has a proud history as a professional association and independent trade union for dental nurses. Ahead of the launch of the ballot on a merger, the BADN’s Chair and General Secretary Ruth Garrity RDN had highlighted that joining forces with Community would allow the organisation to extend its influence, expand its membership and enhance the offer it provides to its members.
“We are delighted to be moving forward, supporting dental nurses and promoting the dental nursing profession, together with Community – an organisation which shares BADN’s aims and values” said BADN Chief Executive Pam Swain MBE. “We look forward to the future as part of a strong and effective partnership. I am personally delighted that, when I retire next year, I shall be leaving the Association in safe hands capable of continuing to support, promote and benefit dental nurses and the dental nursing profession.”
Responding to the ballot result, Community General Secretary Roy Rickhuss CBE said “This is a great day for Community and the BADN, and we warmly welcome the thousands of BADN members who are now set to become part of our union. This represents a fantastic opportunity to expand our Dental Nurses sector and continue to grow our union.”
“We warmly welcome this decisive ballot result” said Community Assistant General Secretary Alasdair McDiarmid. “Over 86 years, the BADN has been a strong and effective voice for the UK’s dental nurses, and we are delighted that they will be bringing their experience and expertise to Community. From our discussions with the BADN over recent months, it has become absolutely clear that our organisations share values and aims. We are excited about what we can achieve together in partnership.”
BADN members will be kept up to date with the merger process, which is expected to be finalised by the end of June 2026.
