NHS Services & Rules
What is the difference between UDAs and NHS bands?
By The Local Dentist Editorial · Updated 13 August 2026
Why profiles mention UDAs
When The Local Dentist shows NHS activity, it may reference NHSBSA data derived from activity submissions. That helps show a practice delivered NHS work recently — it is not a promise of appointment availability.
How this affects you as a patient
You never pay “per UDA”. In England you pay Band 1 £27.90, Band 2 £76.60 or Band 3 £332.10 per course for 2026/27, or nothing if exempt. UDAs are the contractor’s workload currency with the NHS. A practice can be busy on UDAs and still closed to new patients, or quiet and open. Use UDAs only as a weak signal that NHS work happened recently, then verify access on nhs.uk. Price comparison for NHS care is pointless inside one nation — the bands do not change.
People Also Ask
Can I use UDAs to compare practices as a patient?
Not as a price comparison. Use band/care-package rules for cost, and nhs.uk / phone calls for whether they are taking patients.
Do more UDAs mean a better dentist?
No. Volume is not quality. Check CQC or the national regulator, the GDC register, and how the practice explains your plan.
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This article is general information for UK patients, not clinical advice, and NHS rules and charges change — confirm current rules on nhs.uk or speak to a dentist before acting. For severe facial swelling affecting breathing/swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma call 999 / go to A&E; otherwise NHS 111 for urgent dental access. Price figures are indicative benchmarks from our methodology.