Policy Adviser - Employed dentists in London

Job Title Policy Adviser - Employed dentists

Report to Senior Policy Adviser

Department Policy and Research

Salary £39,554 to £46,248 per annum (dependent on experience)

Hours of work Full-time – (32-hour, four-day week) – Permanent

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About the BDA

The BDA is the voice of dentists and dental students in the UK. We are the trade union, professional association and scientific society for dentists. Our work brings dentists together to represent their interests to Government and the NHS and to campaign for policy changes as well as providing support to our members through advice and education.

As a membership organisation, the BDA’s duty is to serve the needs of its members.

As a trade union, our fundamental belief is that together, we can achieve more than we could individually.

We believe that members are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we are stronger. As an organisation, we will be inclusive; support our members throughout their professional lives; use our influence for the benefit of members, the dental profession and patients; and share our collective knowledge and expertise.

About the role

This role is focused on developing policy and seeking policy change. You’ll identify policy problems facing our members, develop solutions, and then work to influence stakeholders to deliver change. You will play an active role in shaping health policy.

This might involve developing a plan to improve contractual terms and conditions and negotiating these with employer representatives or developing evidence-based arguments to increase pay to submit to the pay review body.

We are a member-led trade union and professional association, and so this role will work closely with elected leaders and our democratic committees. This will include providing secretarial support to a number of committees.

This role line manages our Committee Officer.

About you

You’ll have an interest in health policy and a knowledge of how public policy is made, shaped, influenced and implemented. You’ll be able to use evidence and data to inform policy analysis.

You’ll be aware of trade unions and professional associations, and be motivated by working in a member-led environment. You’ll share our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

You’ll be an excellent communicator, able to both write fluently and persuasively and build interpersonal relationships. You’ll be diplomatic and have political awareness.

You’ll have strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to work actively under pressure.

You’ll want to make a contribution to a wider team, while also feeling confident working independently.

It is desirable, but not essential, that you have experience of working to deliver policy change, working with committees, and experience of developing policy in a healthcare or other setting.

About the team

You will be joining a team of policy and research professionals who are motivated by making a difference for the BDA’s members and the patients they care for. We pride ourselves on our ability to achieve policy change, our extensive collective knowledge of dentistry and the high-quality secretarial support we provide to our policy making committees. We strive to improve the working lives of dentists and support efforts to improve the oral health of the nation. We gather evidence and knowledge from our elected committees, and conduct research and policy analysis, to influence, persuade and negotiate on pay, contracts, terms and conditions, and other policies that impact dentists and their patients. We drive change through direct engagement with decision and policy-makers, such as the Government and the NHS, as well as through cross-team working to influence wider stakeholders, politicians and the public.

We offer

• Four-day working week arrangement
• Generous pension scheme
• 22 days annual leave, 4 additional 'employer' days and 8 bank holidays
• Recognition of Length of Service
• Healthy lifestyle subsidy
• Health cash plan
• Eye test vouchers
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Family-friendly policies
• Collaborative, inclusive, and welcoming team environment.

At the BDA, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Investor in People. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or national origin. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our team and help us better serve our members.

How to apply and what to expect

Please complete the online application form and include a cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria described in the job description and person specification. Once submitted, please await contact from our team.

Please note we will not accept CVs without a full application to support them.

BDA cannot offer visa sponsorship as we are not a licensed sponsor.

Application close: Midday, Thursday 15 October 2026

Job Interviews: Week commencing Monday 2 November 2026

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early as we may close the window if we receive high levels of interest.

Don't miss this chance to be a key player in shaping the future of dentistry and oral health. Join us in making a real impact. Apply now and become a valuable member of our collaborative and motivated team.