Sexual misconduct, which may include verbal, nonverbal, or physical actions that create a hostile work environment, may be significantly underreported in dentistry, according to a news article published on June 9 in BDJ Practice.
Victims may be hesitant to report incidents of sexual misconduct due to several factors, including fear of retaliation, according to the news, which was based on a new review commissioned by the General Dental Council (GDC) in the U.K.
“Sexual misconduct is unacceptable in any context, but it is particularly important that healthcare settings should be safe spaces for everybody,” Stefan Czerniawski, GDC’s executive director of strategy, said in the article. “The findings of this review indicate that sexual misconduct is both widespread and under-reported, with victims often reluctant to come forward.”
The GDC commissioned the review to better understand sexual misconduct experienced by those who work in dentistry, as well as patients, the consequences of this behavior, and how it can be handled. To study this, 23 studies around the globe were reviewed by University of Manchester researchers, and they explored the risks posed by sexual misconduct and possible interventions.
Between 5% and 48% of participants reported they had been victims of sexual misconduct dependent on the population and the context of the studies. A survey specific to the U.K. revealed that 41% of those working in dentistry and 39% of students had experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct, according to the news.
Furthermore, victims were reluctant to report sexual misconduct due to fears of retaliation, unclear reporting mechanisms, and a lack of trust in administrative support.
In the review, it is recommended that clear standards related to sexual misconduct and training for dental professionals be developed. The training should focus on setting boundaries, identifying and managing instances of sexual misconduct, and ensuring there are clear and accessible pathways for reporting this behavior.
“Everyone should feel safe and respected in dentistry, but reports of sexual misconduct tell us that this is not always the case,” Czerniawski said.
