Sir, I have received and been witness to a barrage of profanities in my dental practice, and also been threatened with physical violence. When faced with an unruly patient looking for the opportunity to vent their anger, we are often put in an awkward position.

The NHS directive guidelines strictly condemn the verbal and physical abuse of their staff. Perpetrators can expect to face prosecution if they deviate from what is considered to be 'civilised behaviour'.

This unfortunately gives little comfort to dental teams facing the threat of hostility from patients and the bureaucracy of our legal system.

An incident took place in our practice where the dentist was subjected to vulgar language and aggressive behaviour. Due to the racial nature of the attack, the police gave the case top priority, and the offender will soon appear in court.

Is this strike one for the 'good guys'? Hardly. Discrimination and abuse come in many forms and a racist comment should not be the primary factor for an investigation to be undertaken.

Of course living in a society where political correctness distorts the ideals of free speech and 'democracy', it is not surprising that troublemakers' racist remarks receive the greatest response.

A little conflict from patients may be expected every once in a while, but it is a travesty that the Department of Health and the PCT do not play a prominent role in the protection of NHS staff throughout the dental and medical profession. After all it is our taxes that help fund them.

Contrary to what some may assume, we are not gluttons for punishment, and we do not go to work to be abused by disgruntled members of the public who have issues that need to be addressed before they come for their treatment.

Subsequently there are some who, justifiably, feel that their time and energy is being squandered, due to a lack of comprehension on the part of a government network whose agenda contradicts the principles set out to supposedly 'safeguard' all personnel, regardless of colour or ethnicity.