Employment law

Regardless of its size, every practice requires an effective HR function to manage its workforce, policies and compliance with employment law. In this section you will find the expert advice and support you need to navigate this aspect of your business.

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Criminal record checks

Each nation has a specific process to follow to confirm that team members have undergone criminal record checks and are safe to work with patients.

Safer recruitment and training

Safe working practices begin with robust recruitment procedures to ensure that only suitable individuals are engaged to work with all patients.

Employee pay and rewards

This advice provides an overview of pay structures that you could consider alongside benefits that you might offer in the dental practice.

Contracts and rights of employees

This advice describes the aspects that should be included in an employment contract and the rights of employees.

Bullying and harassment

How to identify and manage bullying, harassment and violence issues in the practice.

Managing performance and appraisals

A motivated and enthusiastic team will benefit the practice. Performance management involves making sure team members contribute to the overall performance of the practice. It incorporates the continuous development of individuals and teams and managing behaviour to ensure that people behave in a way that fosters better working relationships.

Equality and diversity in the workplace

This advice will help you understand your responsibilities under anti-discrimination legislation in England, Scotland, Wales and in Northern Ireland.

Sickness absence

Advice on the management process and your responsibilities towards your employees in the dental practice who are absent due to sickness.

Sexual harassment

From 26 October 2024, dental practices in England, Wales, and Scotland must have taken proactive measures to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. This duty applies to practices of all sizes and requires reasonable steps to protect employees and workers during their employment. Below are some key steps dental practices should be taking to prevent sexual harassment.

Disciplinary procedures and dismissal

Advice on appropriate and fair procedures for handling disciplinary situations in the dental practice, including the formal written disciplinary procedure.

Grievance at work

Any member of the team may, at some time, have a problem or concern about their work, working conditions or relationships with other colleagues. If they raise a problem or concern with you and request that it be addressed, it becomes a grievance.

Recruiting staff

This advice describes best practice in advertising for new staff, shortlisting and interviewing applicants, and pre-recruitment checks.

Latest blogs

Blog Monday 28 Oct 2024

Is your dental practice ready? Complying with the new sexual harassment prevention laws

Nashima Morgan and Jacinta McKiernan explain why it is vital to put measures in place now to foster a respectful working environment, lessen the risk of complaints in the future, and avoid large compensation payments.

Blog Wednesday 17 Apr 2024

Employment law changes for 2024

This year introduces a bumper number of legislative changes and developments in employment law. Our Practice Management Consultant Claire Bennett provides an overview.

For extra and expert members

Contact our employment law team

We support members on a wide range of employment issues such as performance management and grievances/disciplinaries. If you're an Extra or Expert member, you have access to unlimited one-to-one advice from us via phone or email, in addition to the online guidance.

James Goldman, Associate Director of Advisory Services at the BDA, smiling towards the camera

For Expert members

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If you have recruitment and selection pressures, or grievances or disciplinaries looming, we’ll take over. Our HR, practice management and business consultants will listen to your dilemma and design a plan to deal with the issues. Save yourself time and money.

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