Who we are
The BDA Benevolent Fund was established in 1883. The charity provides financial aid to dental students, dentists and their families in need, whether they are in training, in practice, have left the profession or are retired. Applicants must be living in the UK and do not need to be a member of the British Dental Association to qualify for support. The BDA Benevolent Fund is an unincorporated charity, registered with the Charity Commission.
Watch this video featuring Chairman of the BDA Benevolent, Professor Ros Keeton for more information:
For more information about what the charity has done over the years, please visit our HISTORY page.
What we do
We help dental students, dentists and their families who are dealing with:
- Long-term physical or mental health issues
- Short-term incapacity due to illness, accident or injury
- Work-related issues such as redundancy, stress, anxiety and bullying
- Involvement with the regulator and the outcome of decisions i.e. suspension, being on conditions or erasure
- Bereavement
- Issues managing personal debt or insufficient income to meet y
- Age-related challenges
- Domestic violence
- Family breakdown and separation
- Addictions such as drugs, alcohol and gambling
Because nobody is immune to misfortune and each individual’s need is different, all applicants are assessed accordingly. All decisions are made in confidence.
“Many thanks for this kind news. You have no idea how much this will help us as a family. The Benevolent Fund were there to help when I honestly thought there was no one else to turn to. It is very humbling to know that members of my peers and profession were there to help during our time of need. “
Our structure and governance
The charity is made up of a Board of Trustees representing an area of the UK. We are delighted to have the BDA’s President (an annual appointment) as our Patron. The Board of Trustees meet regularly to make decisions on requests for help as well as agree the strategy of the charity, including reviewing the grant-making, investment, reserves and risk management policies and investment performance. The Trustees are volunteers from various areas of the dental profession. Therefore, as an organisation, we understand the unique pressures that dentists face.
How are we funded?
The BDA Benevolent Fund relies on voluntary donations. The charity is independent of the BDA and doesn’t receive any money from them. However, they currently provide an office space and facilities support free of charge which we are grateful for.
The money we raise to help meet the requests for support comes from fellow dentists and their families. This can be via LDCs, collections at BDA branch meetings or events, individuals contributing regularly, as part of our Christmas appeal and legacies. We do not receive funding from the government, other grant giving organisations or lotteries. Without the help of our generous donors, we could not continue to provide vital support.
If you work for a company and are interested in sponsoring us or offering gifts in kind, we would love to hear from you.
Further information
This Infographic explains more about how we help and where our support comes from.
You can read our latest Annual Report and Accounts on the Charity Commission website here
Registered charity number: 208146