Overview
This page outlines your rights and considerations for employed dentists during sickness leave. We provide an overview of the issues that can arise when sickness absence affects your ability to work. The advice also explains your responsibilities for reporting sickness absence according to your employer’s policy and what you may need to have to prove.
We also outline the sick pay arrangements that may apply, helping you understand both your obligations and entitlements during periods away from work. Sick pay can be divided into statutory sick pay and contractual sick pay, and we detail how the latter is calculated depending on your circumstances.
You should be aware of how your organisation manages sick leave, which will be different according to length of absence and frequency of absence. We also cover standard procedures when the sick leave causes a concern, and your rights in this situation.
While on sick leave or returning, you may be referred to occupational health for an assessment. We outline what occupational health can do and the discretion you are entitled to.
For dentists returning after illness, the guidance covers phased returns to work and the practical considerations involved in gradually resuming duties. It also addresses situations where illness is linked to work-related factors, such as stress or workplace injury, and explains the additional considerations that may apply.
There is information on disability-related sickness absence, including the protections available under equality legislation and the duty on employers to consider reasonable adjustments. Where attendance or health concerns become long term, we outline the circumstances in which capability or ill health could lead to dismissal and the processes employers should follow.
Finally, the guidance explains ill-health retirement options that may be available in certain circumstances. The aim is to help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and the support available when managing health-related absences from work.
