Initiatives on sexual misconduct in dentistry
Former Clinical Fellow Lauren Stockham explores insights.
In a blog post, the General Dental Council’s (GDC) former Clinical Fellow Lauren Stockham explores insights from initiatives underway and reminds dental professionals that they have a duty to safeguard each other and their patients.
“One of my responsibilities as a clinical fellow at the GDC for one year was to explore the issue of sexual misconduct in dentistry and what can be done to address it,” writes Lauren.
“Sexual misconduct encompasses a wide range of unwanted and harmful behaviours, which can have lasting negative impacts on those who experience and witness it.”
“This can have serious implications for patient safety and the profession, because colleagues who feel frightened, unsafe or intimidated are likely to find it more difficult to work as part of a team and perform effectively.
“The findings from the recently published research commissioned by the GDC bring to light what is known about sexual misconduct in dentistry and the gaps.
“It highlights the seriousness of the problem including the negative impacts it can have on those who experience or witness it, and some of the many barriers that contribute to under-reporting by victims and witnesses.
“The gaps include a lack of published literature in the UK with the majority published in the United States. There is also, a lack of literature on effective interventions. While these gaps make it difficult to draw strong conclusions, it provides a useful baseline to build on, and a clear call to action.”