Anxiety, Pain and Distress Cues

Anxiety, pain and distress cues relate to I 1.2. For dental nurses this means recognising when body language, facial expression or tone indicate anxiety, pain, embarrassment or loss of trust.

Clear communication supports consent, dignity, reassurance, accurate records, safe handover, prevention of harm and timely escalation.

These cues commonly appear in everyday moments: a patient who looks uncertain, a receptionist asking for help, a dentist working quickly, a trainee needing feedback, messages in the patient record, a handover, or a colleague unsure how to raise a concern. Interpersonal skill is responding with care, clarity and professional judgement appropriate to the situation.

Practical markers

• Notice: what the patient, colleague, situation or system is signalling.
• 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: record actions, give feedback, discuss in supervision or raise concerns where needed.

Simple language works well: "Can I check how the patient would prefer us to explain this before we continue?" It gives a calm, professional reason to pause, clarify or escalate.

SPF behaviour links

Non-verbal communication, listening skills and barriers to effective communication help dental nurses protect patient dignity, team trust and safe care.