Choosing the Right Method

Choosing the Right Method supports meeting I 1.1. For dental nurses this means selecting communication methods based on urgency, sensitivity, privacy, the patient's preferences and local policy.

Communication in dental nursing is practical patient-safety work. It supports consent, dignity, reassurance, record accuracy, handover, prevention and escalation when risks arise.

In practice this appears in everyday moments: a patient who looks uncertain, a receptionist asking for guidance, a dentist moving quickly, a trainee needing feedback, a digital message, a handover, or a colleague unsure how to raise a concern. Interpersonal skill is the ability to respond with care, clarity and 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?" This 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.