Employment law

Regardless of its size, every practice requires an effective HR function to manage its workforce, policies and compliance with employment law. In this section you will find the expert advice and support you need to navigate this aspect of your business.

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Employment Rights Act: 2026 employment law changes

The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces changes that practices need to be aware of in advance. We have summarised the changes and provided a clear framework of when the changes apply, and how we will support you to remain compliant with employment law.

Avoiding discrimination and managing complaints

What you need to do to avoid claims of discrimination, and how to respond if a complaint arises.

Equality and diversity in the workplace

Understand your responsibilities under anti-discrimination legislation in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Bullying and harassment

How to identify and manage bullying, harassment, and violence issues in the practice.

Employment contracts, practice sales, and TUPE

This advice describes the implications of the TUPE regulations when a practice is sold and purchased, including the rights of existing staff.

Jury service and time off for public duties

Understand your responsibilities towards your employees if they are summoned for jury service or undertake public duties.

Criminal record checks

Each nation has a specific process to follow to confirm that team members have undergone criminal record checks and are safe to work with patients.

Safer recruitment and training

Safe working practices begin with robust recruitment procedures to ensure that only suitable individuals are engaged to work with all patients.

Employee pay and rewards

This advice provides an overview of pay structures that you could consider alongside benefits that you might offer in the dental practice.

Contracts and rights of employees

This advice describes the aspects that should be included in an employment contract and the rights of employees.

Managing performance and appraisals

A motivated and enthusiastic team will benefit the practice. Performance management involves making sure team members contribute to the overall performance of the practice. It incorporates the continuous development of individuals and teams and managing behaviour to ensure that people behave in a way that fosters better working relationships.

Sickness absence

Advice on the management process and your responsibilities towards your employees in the dental practice who are absent due to sickness.

Latest blogs

Blog Monday 28 Oct 2024

Is your dental practice ready? Complying with the new sexual harassment prevention laws

Nashima Morgan and Jacinta McKiernan explain why it is vital to put measures in place now to foster a respectful working environment, lessen the risk of complaints in the future, and avoid large compensation payments.

Blog Wednesday 17 Apr 2024

Employment law changes for 2024

This year introduces a bumper number of legislative changes and developments in employment law. Our Practice Management Consultant Claire Bennett provides an overview.

For extra and expert members

Contact our employment law team

We support members on a wide range of employment issues such as performance management and grievances/disciplinaries. If you're an Extra or Expert member, you have access to unlimited one-to-one advice from us via phone or email, in addition to the online guidance.

James Goldman, Associate Director of Advisory Services at the BDA, smiling towards the camera

For Expert members

HR consultancy services

If you have recruitment and selection pressures, or grievances or disciplinaries looming, we’ll take over. Our HR, practice management and business consultants will listen to your dilemma and design a plan to deal with the issues. Save yourself time and money.

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