Principal Dentists Navigate Staff Sickness Amid New Government Policies

UK: As the government prepares to introduce changes to mental health benefits and sick note provisions, dental professionals are gearing up to adapt their approach to staff sickness. The proposed reforms, aimed at tackling what Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calls the ‘sick note culture,’ have sparked discussions within the dental community about managing employee absences while maintaining operational efficiency and financial stability.

Disruptions to Dental Operations

One of the primary concerns raised by dental practice principals is the potential disruption to daily clinics caused by staff sickness. According to Polly Bhambra, director at Treetops Dental Surgery, as quoted in a recent article on dentistry.co.uk:

“When employees call in sick, especially unexpectedly, it can result in short-staffed situations, cancelling appointments which delays patient treatment. This is particularly problematic in dental care where physical presence is crucial.”

Dental staff shortage and the Great Resignation

Bhambra further highlighted the staffing issues that arise when other team members need to cover additional duties due to staff absence. This can lead to increased workloads and potential burnout, impacting morale and productivity. She emphasized the need for cross-training and flexible staffing strategies, particularly in smaller practices where the absence of even one employee can significantly hinder treatment lists.

Financial Implications

From a financial standpoint, providing paid sick leave can strain budgets, especially for smaller dental clinics. While necessary for ethical employee treatment, Bhambra acknowledged the cost implications can be substantial, affecting the overall financial health of a business.

Addressing mental health issues in the workplace, Bhambra expressed concerns about the potential misuse of sick leave policies, stating:

“Mental health is the new whiplash era, taking away from those that are genuinely suffering on a daily basis. Since COVID-19 it’s become a free for all, and hard to manage for practice managers and principals.”

Tips for dental staff retention

Fostering Open Communication

To handle sickness effectively, Bhambra emphasized the importance of open communication lines and return-to-work interviews, allowing for discussions about employee well-being and identifying sickness trends.

Harriet Trivedi, principal dentist at The Dental Sanctuary, expressed confidence that the changes to sick leave policy would not significantly impact her close-knit independent dental team, citing mutual trust and respect as key factors.

“I would like to think that these changes to sick leave policy won’t make very much difference to us as a close knit independent dental team,” Trivedi said.

Nurturing a Positive Cycle

Alif Moosajee, principal dentist at Oakdale Dental, highlighted the importance of fostering a positive cycle within the dental team. He emphasized the need to identify and retain the right employees, stating:

“The better you look after your team, the better they will look after your patients, and in turn the better your patients will look after you. It can either be a positive or a negative cycle.”

Moosajee acknowledged the government’s efforts to disincentivize those who take advantage of the system but expressed sadness that those who genuinely need support may suffer as a result.

As the dental community braces for the upcoming changes, practice principals are actively seeking ways to navigate staff sickness while maintaining operational excellence and prioritizing employee well-being.

Read the full article.