Essential Skills for Dental Assistants

Understand dismissal procedures, workplace disputes, and tribunals tailored to the dental profession’s unique working environment.

Overview
This module delves into the often-overlooked yet vital area of workplace challenges—focusing squarely on dismissal, grievance handling, and employment tribunals within the dental sector. As dental practices juggle complex staff dynamics and regulatory expectations, understanding professional rights and responsibilities is more than just advisable—it’s essential. Here, we examine the processes from all angles, providing clarity on how dental assistants can navigate disputes without losing their molars… or their marbles.

From understanding fair and unfair dismissal to recognising grievance procedures and tribunal etiquette, this module doesn’t skirt around sensitive subjects. It delivers what every dental assistant needs to know when things go pear-shaped at work. Whether you're defending yourself, supporting a colleague, or simply trying to stay out of the firing line, this section of the course keeps you legally literate and professionally prepared.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify the grounds for fair and unfair dismissal in dentistry.
• Understand internal grievance procedures in dental workplace settings.
• Recognise the process and stages of employment tribunals.
• Interpret rights and responsibilities under UK employment law.
• Distinguish between informal and formal resolution strategies.
• Navigate disputes with professionalism and procedural awareness.

Course Curriculum:

• Module 1: Anatomy and Physiology of the Oral Cavity
• Module 2: Dental Ethics and Professionalism
• Module 3: Clinical Procedures and Techniques
• Module 4: Dental Materials and Techniques
• Module 5: Advanced Clinical Techniques and Procedures
• Module 6: Managing Dental Anxiety in Patients
• Module 10: Dismissal, Grievances and Employment Tribunals

Who is this Course For:

• Aspiring dental assistants seeking a structured theoretical understanding.
• Current dental staff aiming to improve procedural knowledge.
• Clinic managers who supervise and support dental teams.
• HR personnel in dental or healthcare-related settings.
• Dental professionals preparing for administrative responsibilities.
• Anyone interested in dental team operations and legal structures.
• Individuals considering entry-level positions in dental support.
• Employers wishing to stay informed on workplace processes.

Career Path (UK Salary Estimates):

• Dental Assistant – £22,000–£28,000 per year
• Dental Receptionist – £20,000–£26,000 per year
• Practice Manager (Dental) – £30,000–£45,000 per year
• Clinical Coordinator (Dental Practice) – £28,000–£38,000 per year
• Dental Administrator – £21,000–£27,000 per year
• Healthcare HR Assistant (Dental Sector) – £25,000–£32,000 per year