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Equal Opportunities Policy
A) STATEMENT OF POLICY
1. Dental Nurse Network (DNN) recognises that we live in a society where discrimination still operates to the disadvantage of many groups in society.
2. DNN believes that all persons should have equal rights to recognition of their human dignity, and to have equal opportunities to be educated, to work, receive services and to participate in society.
3. DNN is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities within the DNN, and affiliated organisations, through the way we manage the organisation and provide services to the community. In order to express this commitment, we develop, promote and maintain policies that will be conductive to the principles of fairness and equality in the workplace.
4. The objective of this policy is that no person should suffer or experience less favourable treatment, discrimination or lack of opportunities on the grounds of:
• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
5. This policy will influence and affect every aspect of activities carried out at DNN i.e. promotional work, educational services and other functions linked to the Dental Nurse Network, as determined by the management committee.
6. In the provision of services and the employment of staff, DNN is committed to promoting equal opportunities for everyone. Throughout its activities, DNN will treat all people equally whether they are:
• Seeking or using our services.
• Applying for a job or already employed by us.
• Trainee workers and students on work experience or placements.
B) How the policy will be implemented and who is responsible?
The General Coordinator has specific responsibility for the effective implementation of this policy. Each head of department also has responsibilities and we expect all our employees to abide by the policy and help create the equality environment which is its objective.
In order to implement this policy we shall:
• Communicate the policy to employees, job applicants and relevant others.
• Incorporate specific and appropriate duties in respect of implementing the equal opportunities policy into job descriptions and work objectives of all staff.
• Ensure that those who are involved in assessing candidates for recruitment or promotion will be trained in nondiscriminatory selection techniques.
• Incorporate equal opportunity notices into general communications practices.
• Ensure that adequate resources are made available to fulfill the objectives of the policy.
Conduct and general standards of behaviour
All staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and considerate manner at all times. DNN will not tolerate behaviour such as:
• making threats
• physical violence
• shouting
• swearing at others
• persistent rudeness
• isolating, ignoring or refusing to work with certain people
• telling offensive jokes or name calling
• displaying offensive material such as pornography or sexist / racist cartoons, or the distribution of such material via email / text message or any other format.
• any other forms of harassment or victimisation.
The items on the above list of unacceptable behaviours are considered to be disciplinary offences within DNN and can lead to disciplinary action being taken. DNN does, however, encourage staff to resolve misunderstandings and problems informally wherever possible, depending on the circumstances. However, whether dealt with informally or formally, it is important for staff who may have caused offence to understand that it is no defence to say that they did not intend to do so, or to blame individuals for being over sensitive. It is the impact of the behaviour, rather than the intent, that counts, and that should shape the solution found both to the immediate problem and to preventing further similar problems in the future.
Complaints of discrimination
DNN will treat seriously all complaints of unlawful discrimination on any forbidden grounds made by employees, trustees, clients or other third parties and will take action where appropriate.
All complaints will be investigated in accordance with the organisation’s grievance, complaints or disciplinary procedure, as appropriate and the complainant will be informed of the outcome in line with these procedures.
We will also monitor the number and outcomes of complaints of discrimination made by staff, volunteers, clients and other third parties.
C) Legal Obligations
Equal Opportunities and Discrimination (Equality Act 2010)
The new Equality Act came into force in October 2010 and replaces all previous equality legislation in England, Scotland and Wales – namely the Race Relations Act 1976, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the Sex Discrimination Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006, The Civil Partnership Act 2004, the Employment Equality Regulations 2003 (religions and belief and sexual orientation).
The Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics are:
Age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief sex and sexual orientation.
In valuing diversity DNN is committed to go beyond the legal minimum regarding equality.
The Equality Act 2010 harmonises and strengthens and replaces most previous equality legislation. The following legislation is still relevant:
• The Human Rights Act 1998.
• The Work and Families Act 2006.
• Employment Equal Treatment Framework Directive 2000 (as amended).
D) RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION
1. The recruitment and selection process is crucially important to any equal opportunities policy. We will endeavour through appropriate training to ensure that employees, making selection and recruitment decisions will not discriminate, whether consciously or unconsciously, in making these decisions.
2. Promotion and advancement will be made on merit and all decisions relating to this will be made within the overall framework and principles of this policy.
3. Job descriptions, where used, will be revised to ensure that they are in line with our equal opportunities policy. Job requirements will be reflected accurately in any personnel specifications.
4. We will adopt a consistent, non-discriminatory approach to the advertising of vacancies.
5. All applicants who apply for jobs with us will receive fair treatment and will be considered solely on their ability to do their job.
6. Short-listing and interviewing will be carried out by more than one person where possible.
7. Interview questions will be related to the requirements of the job and will not be of a discriminatory nature.
8. Selection decisions will not be influenced by any perceived prejudices of other staff.
E) MONITORING
1. We will maintain and review the employment records of all employees in order to monitor the progress of this policy.
2. The results of any monitoring procedure will be reviewed at regular intervals to assess the effectiveness of the implementation of this policy. Consideration will be given, if necessary, to adjusting this policy to afford greater equality of opportunities to all applicants and staff.
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Our Mission
Dental Nurse Network (DNN) was set up to inspire and encourage dental nurses to develop their skills and further their careers. We are committed to providing ethical, affordable and flexible high-quality education led by teachers who are experienced, passionate and qualified in their field.
Who We Are
We are a team of dental care professionals – mostly dental nurses, dental therapists and dental hygienists – who work together to provide resources and training for dental nurses across the UK. We all value ethical education practices and are continuously updating our qualifications to ensure we are offering the best support, resources and services.
Opportunities
We create opportunities for nurses with additional qualifications to work with us and gain experience and extra income. We have a team of registered dental care professionals who write up-to-date, relevant content for us. They also teach, both online and in classroom settings, which allows them to gain valuable experience and enjoy generous rates of pay.
Our Values
At DNN, we value ethical practices and excellence.
We provide excellent support services for all our courses and are constantly looking for ways to improve our support services and overall learning experience.
We Care
DNN was set up by dental nurses, for dental nurses. That means we know what it’s like to work in the industry. We’ve experienced the highs and the lows, and we know the issues we all face every day. This means we’re particularly passionate about the fair treatment of dental nurses. We believe that by empowering our members with knowledge and education, we can make progress towards being regarded as professional and valued members of the dental team.
We Support
Dental Nurse Network has partnered with Dentaid's BrightBites oral health initiative, sponsoring over a thousand children per year.
BrightBites is an educational resource with lesson plans and experiments aimed at teaching children about their teeth. Volunteers visit schools to deliver a presentation that covers toothbrushing, sugar awareness and the importance of regular dental check ups. All the children receive a leaflet, toothbrushing chart, toothbrush and toothpaste. This is complemented by resources and lesson plans for teachers, which include experiments and classroom activities.
We also support other charities including Mercy Ships who provide oral health care to those in desperate need of help and A21 Campaign. The A21 Campaign is an anti-trafficking charity. There are more slaves in the world today than at any other time in human history. The A21 Campaign:
- prevents human trafficking through awareness and education;
- protects victims of human trafficking through restoration programmes;
- pursues justice by prosecuting human traffickers;
- partners with people just like you to fight for freedom together.
Our Partnerships
We work with Henry Schein Dental and Medicruit. Both companies share similar ethical values, and Henry Schein has been particularly supportive of dental nurse empowerment and development.
Refund, Cancellation and Extension Policy
Distance Learning Courses
Distance Learning Courses: Terms and Conditions
(Updated 25/04/24. Our terms now include Re-enrolment fees.)
1) The course, course material and resources are available from the start date specified in the course information once enrolment and payment have been processed. All course due dates and end dates are specified in the course information. After the course end date, access to information and resources for the course will no longer be available.
2) To extend your access to the courses, the following are available:
a) Grace Periods and Extenuating Circumstances:
We give a maximum free grace period of one month for the following courses: Level 3 Dental Management, Level 3 Dental Reception, Level 3 IPC Lead, Level 3 Dental Nurse Lead, Level 2 Patient Care Coordination, Level 2 IPC Lead, Impression-Taking, Fluoride Varnish Application, Plaque Indices, and Oral Health Promotion.
We give a maximum free grace period of one week for the following courses: Certificate in Dental Management.
Please note that NEBDN courses have separate terms and conditions.
If you feel you have an extenuating circumstance and would like to request a further extension, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Extenuating circumstances could include:
- Physical sickness where time has been taken off work;
- Mental health conditions where time has been taken off work;
- Bereavement;
- Other reasons which necessitate time off work.
b) Extension Fees
If you do not have an extenuating circumstances and have already used up your grace period allowance (see above), the following fees apply:
A one (1)-month extension:
The extension start date starts from the date of the course expiry.
| Level 3 Certificate in Dental Practice Management | APPLY |
| Level 3 Certificate in Dental Reception | APPLY |
| Level 3 Dental Nurse Lead | APPLY |
| Level 3 IPC Lead | APPLY |
| Level 2 and 3 IPC Lead | APPLY |
| Level 3 Certificate in Oral Health Promotion | APPLY |
| Level 2 IPC Lead | APPLY |
| Level 2 Patient Care Coordination | APPLY |
| Certificate in Dental Practice Management | APPLY |
| Impression-Taking | APPLY |
| Fluoride Varnish Application | APPLY |
| Plaque Indices | APPLY |
A three (3)-month subscription extension:
This is available at a cost of 40% of the course fee. To apply for a three-month extension, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
3) If you wish to unenrol for any reason, the following policies apply at the discretion of Dental Nurse Network:
a) Over 30 days before the course start date, a full refund of all fees will be granted.
b) 15–29 days before the course start date, a refund will be granted amounting to half the course fees paid.
c) 14 days or less before the course start date, no refund of any fees will be granted.
(If you feel you have an exceptional circumstance leading to a need to unenrol during this time, the policy may not apply; please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..)
4) Re-enrolment
In certain circumstances, learners may find it necessary to take a temporary break from their studies, unrelated to extenuating circumstances. Should this occur, students have the option to re-enrol in their courses at a later time. The re-enrolment fee for such cases will be set at 50% of the course fee as it stands at the time of re-enrolment. Upon re-enrolment, students will be enrolled onto the next available course start date. Re-enrolment must be within 5 years of the original enrolment date, otherwise full fees apply.
Re-enrolment fees do not cover NEBDN fees. NEBDN fees must be paid separately, in addition to re-enrolment fees.
5) If you have any concerns over the course material, have a complaint, or feel improvements can be made to the E-Learning Certificate of Competency courses, please feel free to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Complaints Handling Policy
Our complaints policy
We are committed to providing a high-quality service to all users of our services. When something goes wrong, we need you to tell us about it. This will help us to improve our standards.
If you have a complaint, please contact us with the details by email, post or fax.
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Fax: 020 7197 8117
- Post: Dental Nurse Network, 20-22 Wenlock Road, London, N1 7GU
What will happen next?
- We will send you an email acknowledging receipt of your complaint within two working days of receiving it, enclosing a copy of this procedure.
- We will then investigate your complaint.
- We will attempt to resolve your complaint within 14 working days.
Data Protection
Dental Nurse Network are committed to respecting and protecting the privacy of anyone using our site and the confidentiality of any information that you provide us with. The purpose of this statement is to set out how we use any personal information that we may obtain from you.
Data Protection Act 1988 (‘the Act’)
We are registered under the Data Protection Act (Reg. Z367219) and comply with the Act in all our dealings with your personal data.
Use and collection of personal information
In general, you can visit our website without telling us who you are and without revealing any information about yourself. If, however, you use our site you will need to register and you will be asked to provide certain information such as your contact details. We will store this data and hold it on computer or otherwise.
We may use information that you provide:
• To register you with our website and to administer it.
• To send you relevant website updates via email with your permission.
We do not disclose your personal information to third parties except in the case of students who are registered on the NEBDN Oral Health Education Course. Students enrolled on this course will have their information shared with the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses.
Cookies
We collect information directly from you in a number of ways. One way is through our use of ‘cookies’. Most websites use cookies in order to make them work, or to work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the website. They help us to understand how our customers and potential customers use our website so we can develop and improve the design, layout, content and function of the site. Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer’s hard drive by websites that you visit. They save and retrieve pieces of information about your visit to the website – for example, how you entered the site, how you navigated through the site and what information and documentation was of interest to you. This means that when you go back to a website, it can give you tailored options based on the information it has stored about you on your last visit.
Some of our cookies are used to simply collect information about how visitors use our website and these types of cookies collect the information in an anonymous form.
Where there is a login process relating to buying products or services from us we also use cookies to store personal registration information so that you do not have to provide it to us again on subsequent visits.
The rules about cookies on websites have recently changed. If you are uncomfortable with the use of cookies, you can disable cookies on your computer by changing the settings in the preferences or options menu in your browser. You can set your browser to reject or block cookies or to tell you when a website tries to put a cookie on your computer. You can also delete any cookies that are already stored on your computer’s hard drive. However, please be aware that if you do delete and block all cookies from our website, parts of the site will not then work. This is because some of the cookies we use are essential for parts of our website to operate. Likewise, you may not be able to use some products and services on other websites without cookies.
To find out more about cookies, including seeing what cookies have been set and how to manage and delete them, visit www.allaboutcookies.org.
If you do not wish to accept cookies from our website, please leave this site immediately and then delete and block all cookies from this site. Alternatively, you may opt out of receiving information from us by e-mail, telephone, fax or post. Our phone number is (details), or you can e-mail us on (details).
Security
We endeavour to take all reasonable steps to protect your personal information. However, we cannot guarantee the security of any data that you disclose online and we will not be responsible for any breach of security unless this is due to our negligence or wilful default.
Your rights
You have the right to ask us not to process your personal data for marketing purposes. We will inform you before collecting your data if we intend to use your data for such purposes.
General
You have the right to see personal data (as defined under the Data Protection Act) that we keep about you upon receipt of a written request.
Our full policy can be requested at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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