Welcome

This course is for dental nurses seeking targeted CPD on the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework Professionalism learning outcome P 1.3: Describe diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination and the underpinning legislation, and explain how to apply these principles to manage patients with protected characteristics and work within the dental team (noting that this legislation may differ in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

SPF fit: This course supports the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework domain of Professionalism, sub domain Ethics and Integrity. It addresses learning outcome P 1.3 and links to behaviours P(B)1, P(B)3 and P(B)13.

In dental practice, diversity, equality, inclusion and non-discrimination shape how patients are welcomed, whether communication needs are met, whether assumptions are challenged, whether colleagues feel secure, and whether people with protected characteristics receive fair access to care.

Why This Course Matters

• Equality affects access: patients may need reasonable adjustments, communication support or flexible arrangements to receive care fairly.
• Discrimination can be subtle: jokes, assumptions, missed adjustments and biased handovers can harm patients and colleagues.
• Dental nurses often notice patterns: barriers can appear in reception, surgery, decontamination, records, aftercare or team culture.
• The law differs across the UK: practical principles are shared, but legal frameworks vary between the four nations.

A Simple Learner Spine

• Define: know the meanings of diversity, equality, inclusion, discrimination and protected characteristics.
• Recognise: identify barriers, stereotypes, microaggressions and unfair patterns.
• Apply: use practical, respectful approaches to support patients and colleagues.
• Adjust: implement reasonable changes to communication, access and care processes.
• Speak up: act when discrimination or exclusion affects patients or the dental team.