Up to 48% of dental professionals could have experienced sexual misconduct firsthand, amid warnings from the GDC about its under-reporting in dentistry
The General Dental Council (GDC) commissioned a review of studies exploring sexual misconduct in the dental environment.
It found that the number of professionals who report experiencing sexual misconduct sits between 5% and 48%. The number that said they had witnessed misconduct ranged between 25% and 40%.
Researchers from the University of Manchester looked at 23 studies for the review, which produced varying results ‘depending on population and study context’.
The regulator added that the findings show sexual misconduct in dentistry is ‘widespread and under-reported’ due to several factors, including:
- Hierarchical power dynamics
- Informal workplace gatherings that involve alcohol
- A lack of clear reporting mechanisms
- Lack of trust in outcomes
- Fear of retaliation for reporting.
Who is most likely to perpetrate sexual misconduct?
Misconduct was found to occur in a range of settings. Dental students were likely to experience misconduct in dental schools and clinics, with registered professionals also facing misconduct during normal working hours in clinic. Other settings included social functions, online via social media and at networking events such as conferences.
Men were disproportionately represented as perpetrators, with male patients and dentists most commonly implicated. For example, one of the studies found that 80.4% of misconduct perpetrators were male, especially in cases of inappropriate sexual contact which involved men 96.7% of the time.
The GDC said misconduct from within the profession could negatively impact dental organisations. For example, through reputation damage, legal consequences, patient loss and decline in staff morale.
The report added: ‘There is also an overall risk for the dental sector in terms of a decline in public trust and professional standing.’
The impact of sexual misconduct on victims was also considered. Analysis found that emotional trauma, reluctance to report and professional disengagement were common consequences.
How can misconduct in dentistry be addressed?
The report also provided several recommendations based on the findings. These were:
- Developing training for dental professionals in setting boundaries, identifying sexual misconduct and managing instances
- Creation of safe dental working environments that minimise risk
- Implementation of robust policies relating to sexual misconduct
- Promotion of supportive organisational culture
- Implementation of restorative justice measures to rebuild trust between dental professionals and patients and improve workplace dynamics
- Advocating for balanced media reporting to prevent sensationalism and protect the reputation of the profession.
‘Sexual misconduct is both widespread and under-reported’
Stefan Czerniawski, executive Director of strategy at the GDC, said: ‘Everyone should feel safe and respected in dentistry, but reports of sexual misconduct tell us that this is not always the case. Sexual misconduct is unacceptable in any context, but it is particularly important that healthcare settings should be safe spaces for everybody. The findings of this review indicate that sexual misconduct is both widespread and under-reported, with victims often reluctant to come forward.
‘That should be a concern for everybody who works in dentistry. People with responsibility for dental workplaces should ensure that patients and staff feel themselves to be in a safe and supportive environment and that they have policies and procedures to support that. It is critical that those who come forward feel supported and protected.
‘For our part, we will use the findings to underpin further work to address sexual misconduct in the context of professionalism in dentistry.’
‘All dental professionals need to be reassured that their safety is a priority’
Yvonne Shaw, deputy dental director at Dental Protection, said the report highlights the need for more steps to be taken to ensure such behaviour is recognised, reported and acted on. She 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.’
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