Trauma-Informed Communication

Trauma-informed communication supports meeting I 1.3. For dental nurses this means offering choice, privacy, predictability and respect when patients have additional needs.

Communication in dental nursing directly affects patient safety. It supports consent, dignity, reassurance, record keeping, handover, prevention and escalation where required.

These skills matter in everyday moments: a patient who seems unsure, a receptionist asking for guidance, a dentist working quickly, a trainee needing feedback, a message sent electronically, a handover, or a colleague uncertain about raising a concern. Interpersonal skill is the ability to respond with care, clarity and professional judgement.

Practical markers

• Notice: observe what the patient, colleague, situation or system is communicating.
• Choose: select a communication method, team route or escalation step that fits the context.
• Respect: maintain role boundaries, confidentiality, dignity, cultural needs and awareness of emotional impact.
• Check: confirm understanding, responsibility, handover details and whether the next person has the information they need.
• Follow up: record actions, provide feedback, use supervision or team discussion, and raise concerns when necessary.

Useful phrasing can be plain and professional: "Can I check how the patient would prefer us to explain this before we continue?" It gives a clear reason to pause, clarify or escalate.

SPF behaviour links

Tailored spoken, written and electronic communication with patients in sensitive clinical and personal contexts helps dental nurses protect patient dignity, team trust and safe care.