‘Appalled and upset’: Amidst the disorder of the UK riots, we hear what has been said about its impact on the profession and healthcare in general.
Diversity in Dentistry Action Group (DDAG)
The Diversity in Dentistry Action Group (DDAG) was established in 2020 to promote equality, equity and inclusivity within the dental profession. As the strategic oversight group of the DDAG, we are watching in horror at the scenes of unrest and violence across parts of the country, fuelled by racism and islamophobia. DDAG understands the personal impact these events will have on our workforce and communities.
We are committed to advocating for and calling out discrimination, prejudice and bias. We do not work in a societal vacuum and recognise that these are challenging political times.
We welcome fair and open discussions – however these conversations should not be an open invitation for voicing hate speech, spreading misinformation on social media or in professional environments. We would hope across our profession, professional standards are adhered to and we continue to display our values of equality, compassion and respect.
No tolerance for racism
As a profession we hope the workforce is reassured that we need not tolerate racism, discrimination or abuse whether from colleagues, patients or wider community groups.
We call on all dental organisations to provide emotional support, protection against racism for all within the clinical environment. We call on our various prestigious institutions to stand by and protect our students; for prominent dental societies to provide support via networks for their members who need somebody to talk to if they have been impacted; and for the stalwart high street practices to have internal conversations with their teams to reassure them and have a complete zero tolerance approach to behaviours that promote any divisive “othering” or cause offence.
Lastly, we call for the profession to stand strong and in solidarity with each other regardless of race, ethnicity or faith and continue to provide oral health care for our patients during this challenging time with the kindness, respect and dignity we always have done.
General Dental Council (GDC)
We are appalled and upset by the totally unacceptable racial and religious targeted violence and civil disorder that has taken place across our towns and cities in recent days. We recognise the profound impact this is having on members of the public and dental professionals.
It is clear that these disgraceful acts are having a significant impact on many members of the dental team, whether they are delivering dental services in NHS, private or community settings, especially those from religious groups or minority ethnic or non-UK backgrounds.
A significant and increasing number of dental professionals on our registers have qualified abroad or are from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. We are grateful for the invaluable contribution they make in delivering dental services to millions of patients every year.
Respecting people and treating them without prejudice is core to working in a regulated profession. Dental professionals should not have to tolerate racism, discrimination or abuse whether from colleagues, patients or wider community groups. We are committed to challenging and addressing any discrimination raised with us.
Everyone has the right to come to work without fear of racism or prejudice about their religious beliefs and it is wholly unacceptable that anyone should feel vulnerable or unsafe at work or at home. We should all do what we can to support each other where we can.
We are also aware of the emotional impact these events are having on our own staff and are offering support to those who need it.
Chris Kenny, MDDUS chief executive
Healthcare workers from minority ethnic backgrounds and those who qualified overseas and are registered to practise here are part of the backbone of the NHS.
We stand on the side of everyone working at the frontline of healthcare. We are appalled to hear of healthcare workers being targeted with abuse and violence amidst the civil unrest and rioting in recent days.
There is no excuse or justification for what has been happening on our streets. All healthcare workers deserve to go to work in safety and without fear of racist abuse or attack.
The whole NHS leadership must now demonstrate that everyone working in healthcare is welcome and valued. The anger and violence we have witnessed will not prevail.
British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN)
The British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN), the UK’s professional association for dental nurses, fully supports the statement issued by the Diversity in Dentistry Action Group (DDAG) condemning the recent riots and disorder, fuelled by racism and islamophobia, across the country.
BADN is a non-political independent trade union and, as such, welcomes dental nurses of all backgrounds, ethnicities, faiths, nationalities and race as members. It will not tolerate racism, discrimination, abuse, hate speech, spreading of misinformation, xenophobia or other offensive behaviour.
Dental nurses are reminded that BADN membership gives access to our Health & Wellness Hub, including a counselling/support helpline, via the members’ area, should they be affected by recent events. Members may also contact the BADN office for information and support.
As the professional association of dental nurses in the UK, BADN calls upon all dental nurses to support each other and their dental team colleagues, regardless of ethnicity, race or faith, in continuing to provide quality oral health care to their patients with dignity, compassion and respect, in accordance with the GDC Standards.
Dental Technologist Association (DTA)
The Dental Technologist Association (DTA) is deeply saddened and concerned by the recent incidents of racial and religious targeted violence and civil disorder that have taken place across the UK. These events have not only disrupted communities but have also had a profound emotional impact on members of the dental profession.
As an association that values diversity, inclusion, and respect, we stand in solidarity with all those affected by these acts of violence and discrimination. We condemn any form of hatred and bigotry and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all our members, and the dental profession as a whole, regardless of their race, religion, or background.
We are acutely aware of the emotional toll these events are taking on dental professionals and we urge affected DTA members to take advantage of our free counselling helpline. This service is available to provide emotional support and guidance during these difficult times. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need someone to talk to.
The DTA will continue to work tirelessly to promote equality and justice within our profession and beyond. We call on all dental technologists to join us in standing against hate and violence and to actively contribute to building a more inclusive and compassionate society.
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