Dental NHS UDA vs Private Mix Calculator 2025/26
Model practice revenue from different NHS UDA (Units of Dental Activity) and private patient ratios. Enter your contracted UDA volume, UDA value, private hourly rate and patient mix to see NHS income, private income, total revenue and revenue per working day.
Key Inputs
- Contracted UDAs per year
- UDA contract value (typically £26–30 per UDA in England)
- Private treatment hourly rate (£)
- Percentage of appointment time allocated to private patients
- Working days per year
What You'll Get
- Annual NHS contract income from UDA delivery
- Annual private treatment income
- Total combined practice revenue
- Revenue per working day
Important Notes — 2025/26 Rates & Caveats
NHS UDA values in England 2025: typically £26–30 per UDA — exact value depends on the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) contract. Patient charge bands (2025/26): Band 1 = 1 UDA (£26.80 patient charge); Band 2 = 3 UDAs (£73.50); Band 3 = 12 UDAs (£319.10). Many practices are converting to mixed or fully private models as NHS contract income is insufficient to cover rising costs — particularly for complex treatments that attract only Band 2 or Band 3 UDA values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a UDA (Unit of Dental Activity)?
The NHS's currency for commissioning dental treatment in England. Each NHS dental contract specifies a number of UDAs to deliver annually. Failing to deliver the contracted UDA volume by year end results in clawback — the practice must repay undelivered UDA value. Delivering more than the contracted UDAs generates no additional NHS income, making mixed NHS/private practice financially rational.
What is the value of one UDA in England?
Typically £26–30 per UDA in 2025 — the exact value depends on the local ICB contract agreed when the contract was awarded. Some legacy contracts have significantly lower UDA values, making them particularly unviable. The value has not kept pace with inflation, which is a primary reason for practices leaving the NHS.
Why are dental practices moving to private practice?
NHS contract values have not kept pace with cost inflation — staff, materials, lab fees and premises costs have all risen significantly. A Band 2 UDA course of treatment (3 UDAs at ~£78–90) often takes 90+ minutes of chair time, making the effective hourly NHS rate substantially below what a private dentist earns. Many practices find conversion to mixed or fully private practice achieves sustainable earnings while maintaining patient access for those who can afford it.
Related Calculators
Use the interactive Dental NHS UDA vs Private Mix Calculator
Run real numbers instantly — free, no sign-up required.
Go to Healthcare Calculators