Dental Protection said the findings of a review commissioned by the GDC into sexual misconduct in dentistry highlight the need for more steps to be taken to ensure such behaviour is recognised, reported and acted on, and that staff affected feel supported.
The review found that sexual misconduct has been significantly under-reported in dentistry, with the reasons for this including unclear reporting pathways, fear of reprisal and lack of trust in administrative support.
Yvonne Shaw, Deputy Dental Director at Dental Protection, said: “All dental professionals need to be reassured that their safety is a priority.
“Experiencing or witnessing sexual misconduct – whether from a patient or a colleague – can lead to emotional distress and long-term psychological harm. It can also negatively impact an individual’s professional practice which may compromise the quality of patient care.
“It is for this reason that we support the review’s recommendations to develop clear standards with respect to sexual misconduct, developing training for dental professionals in setting boundaries, identifying and managing instances of sexual misconduct, and ensuring clear and accessible reporting pathways are established.”
Dental Protection offers counselling to members with access to telephone support 24 hours a day, and face-to-face counselling sessions. This is available to any members experiencing work-related stress, or stress that they feel could impact their practice, including those who have encountered sexual misconduct in the workplace. The service is entirely confidential and independent of Dental Protection.
