Boundaries and Confidentiality

Boundaries and confidentiality form part of meeting I 1.4. For dental nurses this means knowing what information may be shared, who may receive it and when the dentist or manager should be involved.

Communication in dental nursing directly supports consent, dignity, reassurance, record-keeping, handover, prevention and escalation of risk.

These duties arise in everyday moments: a patient who seems unsure, a receptionist seeking guidance, a dentist working quickly, a trainee needing feedback, a digital message, a handover, or a colleague worried about raising 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 language can be simple: "Can I check how the patient would prefer us to explain this before we continue?" This phrasing is calm and professional and gives the team a clear reason to pause, clarify or escalate.

SPF behaviour links

Effective and sensitive spoken, written and electronic communication with the public helps dental nurses protect patient dignity, team trust and safe care.