Dental Protection, the world’s leading not-for-profit, member-owned dental defence organisation, today announced it has been reaccredited as a Menopause Friendly Employer for its ongoing commitment to supporting members and colleagues experiencing menopause.
Established by women’s health advocacy group Henpicked in 2021, the Menopause Friendly Accreditation sets clear standards across an organisation’s culture, policies, training and employee engagement, and working environment.
Dental Protection, part of Medical Protection Society (MPS), serves and supports the dentalcare professionals around the world, including looking after the physical health and emotional wellbeing of its members and people. It was the first dental defence organisation to achieve accreditation, back in 2023, in recognition of its wide range of employee initiatives, including:
- A Women’s Health Network that provides a safe space for discussing and normalising women’s health issues, including Q&A sessions run by in-house medics on managing menopause symptoms.
- Training of dedicated Menopause Advocates to ensure the voices of women experiencing menopause are heard across the business and providing menopause awareness training for senior leaders.
Three years on, the reaccreditation recognises Dental Protection’s continued commitment to ensuring those experiencing menopause can thrive at work.
Dental Protection also has a strong track record as an advocate for its members in relation to the menopause: it has advocated for improving outcomes for women in the healthcare profession, calling for more training and support for healthcare professionals going through menopause, alongside more flexible working arrangements to help in the management of symptoms. It provides access to an independent, confidential counselling service for members who are struggling with menopause symptoms at work, as a benefit of membership.
MPS’s research arm – the MPS Foundation – is also supporting a project led by the University of Exeter which is reviewing the effectiveness of menopause support for healthcare professionals working in the NHS. The study’s findings were recently showcased through a dance performance at the Hall in Exeter, titled “The Silent Transition”.
Amy Shah, Chief People Officer at MPS, said: “This reaccreditation is something we are incredibly proud of. At Dental Protection, we’re deeply committed to creating a workplace where people can thrive and we recognise the importance of our colleagues feeling supported and valued.
“Through greater understanding, active allyship and a culture where people feel comfortable speaking openly, we can better support those experiencing menopause. By creating a stronger workplace for everyone, we strengthen the expertise, care and trust our members rely on when they need us most.”
Deborah Garlick, Director and Founder at Henpicked, said: “Congratulations to Dental Protection on achieving Menopause Friendly Reaccreditation. Three years on, it’s great to see them continuing their commitment – keeping the conversation going through regular communications and shared stories, an active Menopause Advocate community and ongoing senior leadership support. Reaccreditation is about sustaining change and continuing the work and we’re delighted to recognise their achievement.”
