Our full guidance gives dental practices step-by-step support to prevent, respond to and follow up on abusive behaviour - helping to keep your team safe while staying compliant with NHS contracts, professional standards and legal obligations.
This page gives a summary of the most frequently asked questions we receive on this subject.
Members can log in to read the full guidance and download resources. Extra, Expert or employed Essential members can speak directly to our advisory team via phone or email.
Contents
- Practice policies – how to manage patient behaviour and protect the dental team
- Training – equipping the whole dental team to recognise and de-escalate abuse
- Dealing with threats and aggression from patients – practical steps to stay safe
- Reporting incidents – what to record, who to notify and when to escalate
- Support following incidents – debriefing, wellbeing and HR considerations
- Discontinuing treatment – guidance on when it is justified and how to log what happened
- Informing the patient – private and NHS communication processes for each UK nation
Frequently asked questions
How should a dental practice inform a patient about ending treatment under NHS or private contracts in each UK nation?
A dental practice must explain clearly why treatment is ending, give written notice following NHS/private rules and outline how the patient can access urgent or alternative care. Procedures vary by UK nation, so check local NHS or regulatory guidelines.
Under what circumstances can a dental practice discontinue treatment of an abusive patient?
When behaviour is serious, repeated, or poses risk to staff or other patients, discontinuation may be justified. Emergency care must still be offered. Always give warnings if possible, document incidents and follow NHS/private contract obligations.
What must a dental practice record before ending treatment or removing a patient?
You should log dates, specific behaviours, warnings issued, attempts to de-escalate, names of witnesses and communications sent. Keep clear, factual notes in the patient record so decisions are defensible.
What process should be followed in deregistering an NHS dental patient after abusive or violent behaviour?
Use your local NHS deregistration or withdrawal process, provide written notice, follow the required timeframe or allow immediate removal in cases of violence. Notify the patient, complete the necessary forms and report incidents to the relevant authority.
What support should dental staff expect following abusive patient incidents?
Dental staff should receive debriefs, access to counselling or peer support, training in handling threats and aggression and clear internal reporting routes. Practices should also have policies to protect staff wellbeing and safety.
How we can help
Our expert advisory team works exclusively with dentists and dental practices. We provide clear, step-by-step guidance that reflects NHS contracts, GDC standards and UK employment law - so you can act with confidence, protect your team, and avoid future disputes.
Why choose us?
Dental practices face unique contractual, ethical and regulatory requirements. Our advisors combine clinical, regulatory and HR expertise specific to dentistry, so you get guidance you can rely on - clear, defensible and designed for the realities of dentistry.
If you are dealing with an abusive patient and need advice, please log in or join us to access our detailed written guidance and download resources. Extra, Expert and employed Essential members also have access to unlimited one-to-one tailored advice via phone or email. We provide confidential support, communication templates and help to make sure your actions are defensible and proportionate.