Scottish Dental Nurse Wins £25,000 After Colleague Rolled Eyes at Her

Maureen Howieson, a dental nurse with four decades of experience, recently secured £25,254 in a landmark tribunal ruling after a colleague repeatedly rolled her eyes and refused tasks simply because “she was a dentist.”

The tribunal found this behavior—disrespectful, isolating, and belittling—took a serious toll on Howieson’s mental health and workplace dignity.

A Career Derailed by Disdain

The conflict began when Jisna Iqbal, a dental therapist from India not yet licensed in the UK, assumed receptionist duties, displacing Howieson, who had shifted roles due to prescribed rest for arthritis.

The tension escalated, with Iqbal allegedly refusing simple duties—like cleaning pre-inspection washrooms—and mocking Howieson through eye-rolling, which left her feeling reduced to a cleaner.

Employer’s Inaction Sealed the Tribunal’s Judgment

Howieson took her concerns to the practice owner, but received only hollow assurances.

The toxicity continued, culminating in Howieson suffering a panic attack and resigning amid a wage dispute. Employment Judge Ronald Mackay concluded that the employer’s failure to stop the behavior constituted serious contract breaches and an unfair, constructive dismissal.

A Precedent for Subtle Abuse

This ruling sets an important precedent: nonverbal cues, like eye-rolling, can meet the legal threshold for workplace bullying.

Recognizing subtle behavior as actionable raises awareness that respect isn’t just about grand gestures, but also about how employees are treated in small, consistent ways.

The Wider Landscape of Bullying in Dental Care

According to the British Association of Dental Nurses, 61% of UK dental nurses report verbal abuse, with 9% experiencing physical assaults at work.

Many also cite “toxic” environments and a lack of managerial support. This tribunal case reflects systemic issues in dental care professions—where voices often go unheard and behavior unchecked.

The Human Cost of Subtle Bullying

While eye-rolling may seem trivial to some, the tribunal acknowledged the significant psychological impact of repeated dismissive gestures. For Howieson, the lack of respect eroded her self-worth after decades of dedicated service.

Experts in occupational health note that such microaggressions can trigger stress, anxiety, and even physical health issues when left unchecked, especially in high-pressure environments like healthcare.

Lessons for Workplaces Everywhere

The ruling serves as a wake-up call for employers across industries. It highlights the importance of taking employee complaints seriously, addressing conflict promptly, and ensuring all staff feel valued regardless of their role.

Clear anti-bullying policies, training on workplace respect, and accountability at the management level are essential—not only to avoid lawsuits but to maintain a healthy, productive work culture.

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