Who picks up a dirty tissue?

Having worked as both a nurse in the National Health Service and a lecturer in a university, I have spent most of my life working in a hierarchy. That hierarchy is structured – by ‘line management’, someone is your manager and you are often someone else’s manger. But, more importantly, in dental and health care there is a hierarchy of professionals and specialities. The line management hierarchy is easy to understand. It might not always be a pleasant experience but, in terms of relationships, it is straightforward. If you are my ‘boss’ and ask me to do something I’ll do it, and if I am your ‘boss’ and ask you to do something you will do it. However, hierarchy within a profession and between professions is not so straightforward and is complicated by respect, etiquette and tradition.