Inclusive Practice

Study guide

Unit 4 is the shortest unit in the Diploma and the one candidates most often under-prepare. It covers equality law and the protected characteristics it defines, and what genuinely inclusive practice looks like day to day in a dental setting.

Equality law and protected characteristics

The legal framework defines characteristics that must not be the basis for less favourable treatment, and defines the forms discrimination can take.

• Know that a defined set of protected characteristics exists and be able to recognise examples of each.
• Direct discrimination treats someone less favourably because of a characteristic; indirect discrimination applies a rule that disadvantages a group without justification.
• Harassment and victimisation are separate, defined wrongs — victimisation specifically concerns treating someone badly for raising or supporting a complaint.
• Reasonable adjustments are a positive duty: the obligation is to make the change, not to wait to be asked.

Inclusive practice in the dental setting

The practical half of the unit. Most of it is about anticipating needs rather than reacting to them.

• Physical access, appointment length, appointment timing and communication format are the adjustments most often relevant in a practice.
• Assumptions about capability based on a characteristic are the failure mode the unit is testing.
• Inclusive practice benefits far more people than those with a formally recorded need.
• Recording a patient’s needs means the adjustment happens at every visit rather than depending on who is on duty.

In the exam Because the unit is small, its questions cover it densely — do not skip it on the assumption that twenty questions cannot hurt you. Distinguish carefully between direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation.