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Does dentistry have a behavioural problem?

BDJ In Practice volume 37, pages 52–53 (2024)Cite this article

In the December issue of the BDJ, Baniulyte et al published a paper entitled ‘Inappropriate behaviours in a dental training environment: pilot of a UK-wide questionnaire'.1 In the January issue of BDJ Student, reader panel member Hira Chaudhry had a piece published entitled ‘How to be an ally'.2 In November, it was reported that 95% of Jewish healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the UK had reported that the alarming rise in antisemitism since the attack by Hamas on Israel had negatively affected their mental and emotional wellbeing. Additionally, 44% were either modifying or contemplating changes to their professional activities as a direct consequence of this surge in antisemitism. The source of these anti-Semitic incidents for 70% of these professionals was within their own circles - their healthcare colleagues, indicating the problem exists within the very heart of the healthcare community.3

So. Does the profession have a problem with its behaviour and a lack of professionalism?

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References

  1. Baniulyte G, Jajeh N, Kandhari S et al. Inappropriate behaviours in a dental training environment: pilot of a UK-wide questionnaire. Br Dent J 2023; 235: 859-863.

  2. Chaudhry H. How to be an ally. BDJ Student 2024; 31: 12-13.

  3. Alpha Omega. Survey: fieldwork completed 26 October 2023. Data on file.

  4. D'Cruz L. Blue on blue. Br Dent J 2020; 228: 13-14.

  5. Kothari N. Why we need action on blue on blue GDC referrals. Available online at: https://dentistry.co.uk/2023/10/13/why-we-need-action-on-blue-on-blue-gdc-referrals/ (accessed January 2024).

  6. Cserző D, Bullock A, Cowpe J et al. Professionalism in the dental practice: perspectives from members of the public, dentists and dental care professionals. Br Dent J 2022; 232: 540-544.

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  1. BDJ In Practice, London, United Kingdom

    David Westgarth

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  1. David Westgarth
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Correspondence to David Westgarth.

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Westgarth, D. Does dentistry have a behavioural problem?. BDJ In Pract 37, 52–53 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41404-024-2604-2

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