Behaviour, Conduct and Professional Boundaries

Concerns about behaviour can threaten patient safety, damage public confidence and harm team wellbeing. They include dishonesty, bullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation, inappropriate remarks, breaches of confidentiality, unsafe use of social media, sexual misconduct, substance misuse, deliberate concealment and pressuring others to act beyond their role.

Dental nurses may observe conduct patients do not see or hear patients' worries that others dismiss. You do not have to prove misconduct before raising a concern. Be factual, fair and proportionate. Distinguish what you saw or heard from assumptions.

Behaviour concerns to escalate

• A colleague is rude, threatening or discriminatory to patients or staff.
• Someone pressures staff to conceal incidents or alter records.
• A patient appears frightened, humiliated or ignored by a professional.
• Boundaries with patients are inappropriate or exploitative.
• Confidential information is shared casually or on social media.
• Substance use, aggression or dishonesty may affect safe practice or trust.

Normal workplace disagreement is not automatically a fitness to practise matter. Behaviour that creates risk, undermines trust or discourages staff from raising safety concerns must be taken seriously.

Employment issue or professional concern?

Conduct that harms dignity, safety, honesty or trust is not just a personality issue. Dental nurses should raise it through the correct channels.