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Managing a probation period

BDJ In Practice volume 38, page 277 (2025)Cite this article

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At the BDA, we often hear from members who are having issues with a new employee who they feel isn't fitting in and want to dismiss. Many assume that, because there is a probation period in the employment contract, they can simply give notice and move on. Unfortunately, just including a probation period in the contract is not a silver bullet - dismissing someone during probation is still considered a dismissal and carries legal risks.

Used correctly, a probation period can be a powerful tool to help integrate new team members and assess their suitability for the role and the practice.

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  1. British Dental Association, London, United Kingdom

    Michael Fenton

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  1. Michael Fenton
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Correspondence to Michael Fenton.

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Fenton, M. Managing a probation period. BDJ In Pract 38, 277 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41404-025-3215-2

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