Welcome

This course is for dental nurses completing CPD mapped to the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework Interpersonal Skills outcome I 1.1: Describe the use of a range of communication methods and technologies and their appropriate application in support of clinical practice.

SPF fit: This course supports the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework domain of Interpersonal Skills, sub-domain Effective Communication. It focuses on learning outcome I 1.1 and maps to behaviour I(B)1: Communicate with care, compassion, empathy and respect in all professional interactions with patients, their representatives, the public and colleagues.

The Interpersonal Skills domain expects dental nurses to communicate with emotional awareness, care, compassion, empathy and respect, and to contribute to effective team working and the wellbeing of colleagues and patients.

Why This Course Matters

• It is targeted: the course addresses a single SPF Interpersonal Skills learning outcome rather than general communication theory.
• It is dental-nurse specific: examples concentrate on chairside care, reception cover, handover, records, patient questions, interpreter needs, feedback, scope and team working.
• It keeps scope clear: dental nurses learn how to observe, support, explain within their role, record, question, hand over and escalate, without taking decisions beyond their competence.
• It supports professionalism: the content gives practical guidance for safe communication, maintaining patient dignity and effective teamwork.

A Simple Learner Spine

• Identify communication methods used in dental nurse practice.
• Choose communication methods that fit the clinical context.
• Use written and electronic communication safely and respectfully.
• Recognise when accessibility or interpreter support is needed.
• Escalate when communication methods create patient-safety or confidentiality risks.