Reading List

This list collects current UK guidance and further reading for dental nurses on Deaf awareness, accessible communication, reasonable adjustments, interpreter use, British Sign Language context, and professional standards for inclusive patient care.

GDC Professional Standards

• GDC - Standards for the Dental Team
  Core standards for all registered dental professionals covering communication, consent, dignity, teamwork, complaints, and raising concerns.
  https://www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/standards-and-guidance/standards-for-the-dental-team

• GDC - Scope of Practice
  Guidance on role boundaries, competence, indemnity or insurance, and the dental nurse role within the team.
  https://www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/standards-and-guidance/scope-of-practice

• GDC - Learning Outcomes and Behaviours
  Links to the Safe Practitioner framework, including dental nurse outcomes and behaviours related to communication, professionalism, teamwork, and patient care.
  https://www.gdc-uk.org/education-cpd/dental-education/quality-assurance/learning-outcomes-and-behaviours

• GDC - Safe Practitioner: Dental Nurse
  The dental nurse framework for safe practice, professional behaviour, patient care, communication, and teamworking.
  https://www.gdc-uk.org/docs/default-source/about-us/safe-practitioner/safe-practitioner--dental-nurse.pdf?sfvrsn=bae145a5_4

Accessible Communication and Interpreting

• NHS England - Accessible Information Standard
  Details for identifying, recording, flagging, sharing and meeting information and communication support needs for patients with disabilities or sensory loss.
  https://www.england.nhs.uk/accessible-information-standard/

• NHS England - Interpreting and translation in primary care
  Primary care guidance and signposting on arranging interpreting and translation for patients who need language or communication support.
  https://www.england.nhs.uk/interpreting/

• RNID - How to communicate with someone who is deaf or has hearing loss
  Practical tips on gaining attention, maintaining visibility, managing background noise, using written information, and allowing time for responses.
  https://rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/how-to-communicate-with-deaf-people-hearing-loss/

• RNID - Hearing loops
  Explanation of hearing loops, how they assist users with compatible hearing devices, and why proper maintenance matters.
  https://rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/technology-and-products/assistive-listening/hearing-loops/

Equality and BSL Context

• GOV.UK - Equality Act 2010 guidance
  Overview of the Equality Act 2010 and protections against discrimination in services and wider society.
  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

• GOV.UK - British Sign Language Act 2022 and explanatory notes: BSL version
  Information on the British Sign Language Act 2022 and recognition of BSL in Great Britain.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/british-sign-language-bill-and-explanatory-notes-bsl-version

• Equality Commission for Northern Ireland - Equality laws in Northern Ireland
  Summary of equality law in Northern Ireland, where the legal framework differs from Great Britain.
  https://equalityni.org/equality-laws-ni

Use these sources to support safe, accessible, and respectful care for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patients, including arranging communication support and making appropriate reasonable adjustments.