Anyone within dentistry who is dealing with financial difficulties is being reminded that help is available from charity the BDA Benevolent Fund.

The BDA Benevolent Fund was established in 1883 and provides financial aid to dental students, dentists and their families in need, irrespective of whether they are in training, in practice, have left the profession or are retired.

The types of financial assistance on offer from the charity varies, but the Fund has recently supported people with the following:

  • Regular monthly grants towards day-to-day living

  • One-off assistance to meet a specific need

  • Funding for those returning to work following a period of illness or because of fitness to practise proceedings – this may include help with retraining costs and professional fees.

People who need such help do not have to be a BDA member to request support from the Fund and all contact is confidential.

Each case is dealt with on an individual basis and the assistance provided is tailored to each person with a dedicated team trying to point the client in the right direction to access other support services where appropriate.

More information is available by calling 020 7486 4994 or visiting www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk.