Dental Practice Disciplinary Policy 2026

A comprehensive, Fair Work Act 2009 compliant disciplinary policy and procedure framework for Australian dental practices — covering the full disciplinary process from concern identification through to summary dismissal, with a step-by-step investigation guide, outcome templates, and employee rights. Version 3.0, updated April 2026.

Getting a disciplinary process wrong is one of the most expensive mistakes a Practice Manager can make. An unfair dismissal claim costs an average of $10,000–$30,000 to defend — even when you win. This pack gives you a legally structured, well-documented process that protects both the employee and the practice.

⚠ This pack does not constitute legal advice. Before implementing any disciplinary process — particularly termination — seek advice from a qualified employment lawyer or HR advisor.

✔ Fully editable Microsoft Word format
✔ 12 pages — complete disciplinary policy and procedure
✔ Fair Work Act 2009 compliant — references s.387 criteria throughout
✔ Version 3.0 — updated April 2026
✔ Instant digital download
✔ Single-practice licence

What's Included:

Section 1 — Purpose, Scope & Guiding Principles
The policy framework — procedural fairness, proportionality, consistency, confidentiality, timeliness, and support — with plain-language explanations of what each principle means in practice.

Section 2 — Categories of Conduct & Performance Issues
Clear definitions and dental-specific examples of general misconduct and serious misconduct — including a detailed table of conduct that may constitute serious misconduct in a dental practice (patient safety, theft, assault, drugs, confidentiality, sexual harassment, regulatory compliance, cyber and data).

Section 3 — The Disciplinary Process Step by Step
A 10-step disciplinary process table — concern identification, preliminary assessment, investigation, suspension (if required), notice of hearing, disciplinary hearing, decision, outcome communication, right of appeal, and monitoring — with timeframes and documentation requirements for every step.

Section 4 — Conducting a Fair Investigation
Investigation principles, a complete investigation checklist (before, during, and after), and an Investigation Interview Guide with an opening statement script and 7 structured interview questions — all with Fair Work Act legal references.

Section 5 — Disciplinary Outcomes & Warnings
A complete outcomes table — no action, informal management, verbal warning, first written warning, final written warning, dismissal with notice, and summary dismissal — with guidance on when each is appropriate, duration, and key requirements.

Section 6 — Employee Rights
Right to be accompanied (Fair Work Act s.387(d)), right to appeal, and psychosocial safety obligations during disciplinary processes — including EAP referral guidance and post-process relationship restoration.