The British Dental Association (BDA) is a registered trade union[1] for dentists in the United Kingdom.

Its stated mission is to "promote the interests of members, advance the science, arts and ethics of dentistry and improve the nation's oral health."

The majority of the BDA's 16,000 members include high street dentists, working in general practice providing both National Health Service (NHS) and private care, and those working in community and hospital settings, universities and the British armed forces.

Thus the BDA was freed from legislation, and rapidly emerged as the leading consultative body and voice for the dental profession.

[8] The museum also offers an enquiry and research service for individuals wanting to learn more about the history of dentistry or whether their ancestors were dentists.

[11] Arthur Lemming, special investigator for the BDA, is featured in a 1969 Monty Python's Flying Circus sketch.