Volume 8 • 2021 • Issue 3

Working Together to Create Healthy Workplaces A working group that brings together three oral health professional organizations has created resources to empower dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants to establish safe, healthy, and respectful workplaces. W hy does a healthy workplace matter? People are generally more productive, have higher morale, and take fewer sick days when they feel safe, valued, respected and satisfied in their jobs. A healthy and respectful work environment helps to reduce workplace stress and conflict. It improves communication among colleagues and enhances teamwork. In2018, twonational surveys onexperienceswithbullying, harassment, and abuse in the workplace—one of dental assistants and one of dental hygienists—revealed that a significant percentage of respondents were working or had worked in unhealthy environments. In response, the Healthy Workplace Working Group was formed, which consists of representatives from the Canadian Dental Assistants Association (CDAA), the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA), and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). Members recognized a need for resources to support oral health care professionals foster and maintain safe, healthy, and respectful workplaces. The working group has curated and developed online resources, which launched in April 2021, to empower all members of the dental team (see “Healthy Workplace Matters Resources” p. 26) . Three working group members shared what motivated them to contribute to the group and details of the work they’ve undertaken since its inception. 24 | 2021 | Issue 3