# Sample Dental Group — Staff Handbook

> **Fictional sample document.** Sample Dental Group is not a real business. This handbook was written by StaffHQ for demonstration purposes only. It is not legal or HR advice and must not be used as a template for real employment policies.

Version 3.1 · Effective 1 July 2026 · Owner: Practice Manager

## 1. Welcome

Sample Dental Group runs three clinics (Northside, Riverside, and Hillcrest) with about 45 staff. This handbook explains how we work together. If something is not covered here, ask your clinic manager.

## 2. Working Hours and Rosters

2.1 Rosters are published every second Thursday for the following fortnight.

2.2 Shift swaps must be agreed with the colleague and approved by the clinic manager at least 24 hours before the shift.

2.3 Staff must arrive in uniform and be ready to start at their rostered time.

## 3. Uniform and Presentation

3.1 Clinical staff wear the issued scrubs and closed, non-slip shoes.

3.2 Reception staff wear the issued polo shirt and dark trousers or skirt.

3.3 Name badges are worn at all times on the floor.

## 4. Leave

### 4.1 Types of Leave

Sample Dental Group offers annual leave, sick leave, carer's leave, and unpaid leave. Entitlements are set out in your employment contract.

### 4.2 Annual Leave

(a) Request annual leave at least **14 days** in advance through your clinic manager.

(b) Leave of more than **5 consecutive days** needs **30 days** notice.

(c) Leave requests are approved in the order received, and the clinic manager may decline a request that would leave the clinic under-staffed.

(d) School holiday periods and the two weeks around 25 December are high-demand. Submit requests for those periods by 1 September.

### 4.3 Public Holidays

Clinics are closed on public holidays unless the roster says otherwise. Staff rostered on a public holiday are paid according to their contract.

### 4.4 Carer's Leave

Carer's leave may be taken to care for an immediate family member who is ill. Tell your clinic manager as early as you can.

### 4.5 Sick Leave

(a) If you are too unwell to work, **call** your clinic manager at least **1 hour before** your shift starts. A text message alone is not enough.

(b) A medical certificate is required after **2 consecutive days** of sick leave.

(c) Do not come to work with symptoms of a contagious illness. See the Infection Control SOP for return-to-work guidance.

## 5. Conduct

5.1 Treat patients and colleagues with respect.

5.2 Patient information is confidential. Do not discuss patients outside the clinic or on personal social media.

5.3 Phones are kept away from clinical areas except for approved work use.

## 6. Training and Development

6.1 New starters complete the Onboarding Checklist during their first week.

6.2 Clinical staff must keep registrations and mandatory training current. Ask the practice manager to book training sessions.

## 7. Raising Concerns

Speak to your clinic manager first. If that is not appropriate, contact the Practice Manager directly. Concerns are treated confidentially.

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*Note for demo purposes: this handbook intentionally says nothing about pets or animals in the workplace, parking, or remote work. Questions on those topics should return "I don't know from the uploaded documents" and be logged as documentation gaps.*