Diversity in Dentistry Action Group (DDAG) issues response to the national riots
NewsPosted by: Dental Design 7th August 2024
The Diversity In Dentistry Action Group (DDAG) has issued a statement in response to the riots that have taken place nationally over the past week, horrified at the scenes of unrest and violence across parts of the country, fueled by racism and Islamophobia.
“We welcome fair and open discussions however, these conversations should not be an open invitation for voicing hate speech, spreading misinformation on social media or in professional environments,” the DDAG statement notes. “As a profession we hope the workforce is reassured that we need not tolerate racism, discrimination, or abuse whether from colleagues, patients, or wider community groups.
“We call on all dental organisations to provide emotional support, protection against racism for all within the clinical environment. We call on our various prestigious institutions to stand by and protect our students; for prominent dental societies to provide support via networks for their members who need somebody to talk to if they have been impacted; and for the stalwart high street practices to have internal conversations with their teams to reassure them and have a complete zero tolerance approach to behaviours that promote any divisive ‘othering’ or cause offense.
“Lastly, we call for the profession to stand strong and in solidarity with each other regardless of race, ethnicity or faith and continue to provide oral health care for our patients during this challenging time with the kindness, respect and dignity we always have done.”
The DDAG was initially hosted by the Office of Chief Dental Officer for England (OCDO) in 2020 to promote equality, equity, and inclusivity within the dental profession. In 2022, it was moved over to the College of General Dentistry, reflecting its mission to work across both NHS and private dentistry, throughout the UK and beyond, and to ensure the whole team are represented and supported.
BADN supports DDAG response
The British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN), the UK’s professional association for dental nurses, has offered its support for the DDAG statement. BADN is a non-political independent trade union and, as such, welcomes dental nurses of all backgrounds, ethnicities, faiths, nationalities and race as members – it will not tolerate racism, discrimination, abuse, hate speech, spreading of misinformation, xenophobia or other offensive behaviour.
Dental nurses are reminded that BADN membership gives access to our Health & Wellness Hub, including counselling/support Helpline, via the members’ area, should they be affected by recent events. Members may also contact the BADN office for information and support.
As the professional association of dental nurses in the UK, BADN calls upon all dental nurses to support each other and their dental team colleagues, regardless of ethnicity , race or faith, in continuing to provide quality oral health care to their patients with dignity, compassion and respect, in accordance with the GDC Standards.
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