# What is the difference between UDAs and NHS bands?

Source: https://thelocaldentist.co.uk/answers/what-is-the-difference-between-uda-and-nhs-bands/
Updated: 2026-08-13

## Quick answer

UDAs (Units of Dental Activity) are how NHS England contracts measure practice activity. Patients do not pay per UDA — you pay the published band charge (or devolved equivalent). A practice can hit its UDA target and still be closed to new NHS patients.

## Key facts

- UDAs = contract activity units for practices
- Patients pay bands / care packages / item rules
- UDA delivery ≠ open new-patient list

Editorial content from The Local Dentist — not clinical advice.