Accessible and Assistive Communication

Accessible and Assistive Communication supports I 1.1. For dental nurses this includes using large print, Easy Read formats, hearing support, interpreters and visual aids when required.

Communication in dental nursing directly affects patient safety. It underpins valid consent, preserves dignity, provides reassurance, ensures accurate records and supports handover, prevention and escalation of concerns.

These skills show up in routine moments: a patient who seems unsure, a receptionist needing guidance, a dentist working quickly, a trainee asking for feedback, messages sent digitally, a handover, or a colleague considering raising a concern. Interpersonal skill is the ability to respond with care, clear language and sound professional judgement.

Practical markers

• Notice: what the patient, colleague, situation or system is communicating.
• Choose: a communication method, team route or escalation step that fits the context.
• Respect: role boundaries, confidentiality, dignity, cultural needs and emotional impact.
• Check: understanding, responsibility, handover and whether the next person has the information they need.
• Follow up: through records, feedback, supervision, team discussion or concern-raising where needed.

Useful wording can be simple: "Can I check how the patient would prefer us to explain this before we continue?" The phrase is calm and professional and gives the team a clear reason to pause, clarify or escalate.

SPF behaviour links

Communication methods and technologies and their appropriate application in support of clinical practice helps dental nurses protect patient dignity, team trust and safe care.