The Worker Protection (amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 is coming into force on 26 October 2024. It introduces a new preventative duty for all employers, including dental practices, whether a large corporate or a sole trader, to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
As an associate working in a dental practice, it is more important than ever to ensure that you conduct yourself in accordance with the GDC Standards and Practice policies and procedures and work with the practice owner and the practice management team to create a safe and respectful working environment for the dental team. As an associate it is crucial to understand that you could be held accountable for your actions, both to the practice, the GDC and to individuals directly.
The GDC sets out clear expectations for the conduct of dental professionals through its Standards for the Dental Team. Associates are required to treat patients and colleagues with dignity and respect at all times. Any breach of these standards could lead to professional repercussions, including investigations by the GDC, which could affect your ability to continue practising. It is important to remember that these standards do not exist in isolation, they must be integrated with the policies and procedures of the practice that you work for, as well as new legal developments.
As an associate, you are not only liable to uphold these standards in your patient interactions but also in your conduct with the wider dental team. The new sexual harassment law places a greater responsibility on practice owners to create a safe, respectful environment, and you have a vital role in supporting the practice owner by showing professionalism and respect in every aspect of their behaviour. Lead by example and remember employees tend to look at senior staff as role models and a commitment to zero tolerance towards harassment must be evident in your day-to-day interactions with the dental team.
Refresh your training
Make sure that you attend any training sessions that the practice provides and familiarise yourself with the practice policies on harassment and bullying. It is important that you understand what constitutes sexual harassment. It is defined as any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that violates someone’s dignity, even unintentionally, and anyone can be a victim.
Harassment is not limited to explicit behaviours like verbal abuse or physical aggression. It can include inappropriate comments, undermining someone's abilities, or creating a hostile environment that makes others feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
What may be acceptable within a group of friends or in some cultures may not be acceptable in a dental practice. Sometimes, you may be under pressure, your role can be fast paced and demanding and your actions might be unintentional, however, always be mindful and demonstrate courtesy and professionalism towards the rest of the dental team.
Harassment and its impact
Your conduct directly impacts not only on your professional standing but also the well-being of those around you.
Sexual harassment can have profound and lasting effects on its victims, particularly in a dental practice where there can be an imbalance of power between associates and the dental team. These impacts may include emotional distress, anxiety, reduced productivity, and diminished job satisfaction, all of which can harm an individual's overall health and well-being. It may even lead to sickness, exacerbating the issue by leaving the practice short-staffed and disrupting the overall workflow.
Potential legal and professional liability
Your role as an associate is to provide not only high-quality care but also to uphold the values of respect, integrity, and professionalism. The new laws on sexual harassment serve as a reminder of the importance of these values and the need to consistently act in a way that reflects your commitment to a safe, harassment-free workplace. You are personally responsible for your professional behaviour, and your conduct will reflect on you directly. This means that any inappropriate unprofessional communication or behaviours could lead to individual liability to the GDC, or potentially through legal claims, and risk your position with the practice.
In dental practices, where teams work so closely together, maintaining a positive and respectful workplace culture is crucial and you have a significant role to play in this, that is to support the practice owner and model a zero-tolerance approach to harassment.
BDA resources
Our new course, available exclusively for members via our CPD Hub, examines the nature of sexual harassment in the workplace, the impact it can have on employers and staff, and some practical steps to help tackle the problem and bring about cultural change.
Access our new course on tackling sexual harassment and enacting cultural change.
For further reading, members can find detailed written advice on what constitutes harassment in the employment law section of our website.