3. How discrimination shows up in dental practice

Direct discrimination

Treating someone worse because of a protected characteristic — for example refusing to register a patient because they are trans, or not shortlisting a nurse because she is pregnant. “We are a family practice” is not a lawful reason to exclude a gay couple from the waiting list.

Indirect discrimination

A rule that looks the same for everyone but puts a protected group at a particular disadvantage, and that you cannot justify. A “no head coverings in surgery” rule that is not based on genuine infection-control need can do this. A genuine, evidence-based PPE or visor requirement is different — explain it, and look for a workable adjustment.

Harassment

Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. A one-off “joke” can be enough. “They should know we are only kidding” is not a defence.

Victimisation

Punishing someone because they raised discrimination, supported a colleague, or helped a patient complain. Cutting hours after a grievance, or labelling them “difficult”, is how practices turn one problem into two.

Perception and association

Treating someone worse because you think they are gay, or because they care for a disabled relative, can still be unlawful. You do not get a free pass for getting the characteristic wrong.

Next module

Module 2 covers reasonable adjustments, accessible information, interpreters, dignity in the chair, and what to do when a patient or colleague behaves badly.

Always follow current equality law in your UK nation and GDC Standards. This is not legal advice.