Sexual misconduct in dentistry: former GDC fellow warns of ‘culture of silence’

Writing for the GDC's blog this week, Lauren Stockham highlighted a critical data gap in the UK. 

She cited a 2025 University of Manchester rapid evidence review which revealed that 41 per cent of dental professionals globally have witnessed or experienced sexual misconduct.

Despite these figures, researchers noted a scarcity of UK-specific data, suggesting that current reporting mechanisms are failing to capture the true extent of the hazard. 

“There are lots of myths and misconceptions about sexual harassment and assault," she writes. "Not least, that it happens in dark alleys between strangers. But we know that it happens in workplaces. And this of course includes dental practices and training environments – brightly lit surgeries, perpetrated by those we know and trust." 

Prevalence of sexual misconduct globally is higher among dental hygienists, over 90 per cent of whom in the UK are women. Photograph: iStock

Meanwhile, feedback from a recent stakeholder event has suggested the issue is under-reported as well as under-researched. “This indicates a culture of silence in dentistry. This must change. It is not safe for anyone to work, provide dental care or receive it in a culture of silence,” writes Stockham.

The Manchester study – an analysis of 23 peer-reviewed studies involving nearly 9,000 participants – found that prevalence was notably higher among:

• Dental Hygienists (over 90 per cent of whom in the UK are women)
• Students and Trainees
• Dental Care Professionals (92 per cent female in the UK)

Stockham argues that the traditional focus on patient safeguarding must be expanded to include the psychosocial safety of colleagues. 

"We all know it’s our duty to safeguard our patients. But we need to apply the same duty to our colleagues," Stockham states. "This involves supporting colleagues to speak up early, calling out inappropriate behaviours to prevent them escalating, and acting on reports."

She says there is a ‘shared commitment’ among experts working in dentistry, education, academia, claims resolution, law and regulation to address the issue.

"I want to thank those already committed and contributing to this important work and I look forward to continued collaboration in the months ahead, if I haven’t yet spoken to you, please reach out. To everyone else, I would like to ask you to reflect on the role you play in preventing and addressing sexual misconduct in dentistry – the standard we walk past is the standard we accept."

Read Lauren's blog for the GDC here
Rapid Evidence Assessment: Sexual misconduct in dentistry report here