Equality & Diversity Policy

Our vision is for Dental X Ltd to be a successful, caring and welcoming place for patients to receive their dental care and advice.

We want to create a supportive and inclusive environment where our staff can reach their full potential and care is provided in partnership with patients, without prejudice or discrimination. We are committed to a culture where respect and understanding are fostered, and the diversity of people’s backgrounds and circumstances is positively valued. This policy helps us to achieve this vision.

The non-discrimination rights of our patients and our staff are protected by anti-discrimination legislation, including the Equality Act 2010, Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000, and the Employment Rights Act 1996.

By adopting this policy, we undertake to ensure that discrimination does not take place and that everyone is treated fairly and equally.

The aim of this policy is to remove any potential discrimination in the way that people with protected characteristics are cared for by the Practice. This means that we will not treat someone less favourably because of their age, a disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We will develop and support equality and diversity measures by:

• Providing patient information in a variety of languages, if required.
• Having translation services available for patients who need this.
• Providing services that are accessible to patients with disabilities.
• Ensuring that the care of individuals is planned with their specific needs at the centre.
• Tackling oral health inequalities through positive promotion and care.
• Involving patient groups and individuals in the design of our service.
• Responding positively to the diverse needs and experiences of our patients and the community, even when those needs are challenging to deal with.
• Ensuring that we join up with services involved with the care of patients with particular medical and social care needs.

We will monitor the effectiveness of this policy and its impact on all other relevant policies and practices. This review will happen when necessary and as a minimum annually.

Concerns and comments

If you believe you have been treated in any way contrary to this policy or you have any comments on how we can ensure that it works better, please contact our Practice Manager at our clinic. We will investigate your concerns and, where appropriate, take necessary action.