Structure and Location - The British Dental Association (BDA) has 16,000 members, including dentists working in general practice, community and hospital settings, universities, and the British armed forces. - The BDA's headquarters is located in Wimpole Street, London, near Queens College, London in the City of Westminster. - The BDA also has offices in Stirling, Scotland; Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Cardiff, Wales.

History - In 1856, the Odontological Society of London and the College of Dentists of England were founded. - These two societies merged in 1863 to form the Odontological Society of Great Britain. - In 1907, the Odontological Society joined the Royal Society of Medicine as its Odontological Section. - The Dental Reform Committee was formed in the 1870s to bring unity, organization, and a code of ethics to the dental profession. - The Dentists Act of 1878 was the first legislation to regulate dentistry and limited the title of dentist and dental surgeon to registered practitioners.

Function - The BDA represents dentists at national and local levels, advocating for the views and concerns of the profession. - It promotes good practice, patient care, and provides expert advice to members in all aspects of practice and management. - The BDA collaborates with other organizations to promote higher standards and improvements in oral health. - It offers opportunities for continuing professional development to its members.

Publications - The BDA produces regular dental publications, including the British Dental Journal, BDJ In Practice, BDJ Student, and BDJ Team.

British Dental Association Museum - The museum in Wimpole Street houses the largest collection of dental material in Britain. - It includes dental instruments, equipment, furniture, photographs, archives, fine and decorative art. - The museum serves as a national resource for the dental profession, dental industry, researchers, and the public. - Its aim is to promote an appreciation of dentistry today through an understanding of its past. - The museum is a member of the London Museums of Health & Medicine.