BDA pledges to engage with ‘new political landscape’

The British Dental Association (BDA) has responded to the surprise results of the general election by pledging to work to adjust to the "new political landscape".

BDA chief executive Peter Ward has described as "unprecedented" the electoral process that saw prime minister David Cameron and his Conservative Party return to power on a slim overall majority, confounding expectations of a hung parliament.

Over the course of the coming parliament, the BDA will be aiming to hold the Conservatives to their 2010 pledge of a new dentistry contract, while monitoring the process of devolution that will create divergence in local policy between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The dental industry will also need to liaise with new health ministers and ensure that dentistry continues to occupy a prominent role in any future public health initiatives.

Mr Ward said: "The results of the 2015 general election will be spoken about for years to come, and the BDA will work hard to engage with the very different parliament that the UK is waking up to."