Responding to Exclusion, Disrespect and Cultural Concerns

Cultural competence requires action. If you see a patient or colleague being excluded, mocked, ignored or treated unfairly, speak up, document the issue or raise it through the appropriate process so care and dignity are maintained.

Raising concerns can feel difficult, especially when it involves a senior dentist, practice owner, a well-liked colleague or a patient. Focus on the patient’s needs, observable facts and how the conduct affects safe care rather than making personal accusations.

Possible speaking-up phrases

• "Can we check what the patient actually needs before assuming?"
• "I think we need communication support before continuing."
• "That comment could sound disrespectful."
• "The adjustment was recorded, so we should try to follow it."
• "I am concerned this is becoming a repeated pattern."

If a concern is serious, repeated or unresolved, follow the local route. This may involve a senior dental nurse, practice manager, safeguarding lead, complaints lead, equality lead, tutor, indemnity adviser or an external professional body depending on the issue.

Learning from patterns

Respect for diversity requires action. Dental nurses should challenge stereotypes, raise missed support needs and help the practice respond to patterns of exclusion.