Concerns About Colleagues' Health or Performance

Concerns about a colleague's health or professional performance must be managed fairly, supportively and without delay. The aim is to protect patients and colleagues and to address any issues before they become more serious.

When it is safe and appropriate, an early supportive conversation can clarify what is happening. In other cases the concern should be raised immediately with a senior dental nurse, dentist, practice manager, owner, tutor, clinical lead or other responsible person. Serious or ongoing risks must not remain informal.

Performance concerns may include

• Repeated failure to follow infection prevention, decontamination or sharps procedures.
• Unsafe clinical assistance, poor handover or missed patient alerts.
• Repeated record errors or inaccurate documentation.
• Working outside competence, training, authorisation or indemnity.
• Ignoring medical emergency, safeguarding or data protection procedures.
• Refusing to engage with feedback or supervision where safety is affected.

Health concerns can be sensitive. A tired, distressed or unwell colleague should be treated with compassion, but support must not allow unsafe practice to continue. Responses should protect patients while offering help to the colleague.

Supportive intervention

Supporting a colleague and protecting patients are compatible aims. A good concern-raising route should achieve both.