Electronic Communication With the Public

Electronic Communication With the Public is part of meeting I 1.4. For dental nurses, this covers email, text messages, patient portals and website messages used in line with local policy.

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

These skills show up in everyday situations: a patient who looks uncertain, a receptionist asking for advice, a dentist working quickly, a trainee needing feedback, a message from a patient, a handover, or a colleague unsure how to raise a concern. Interpersonal skill is the ability to respond with care, clear language 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 and direct: "Can I check how the patient would prefer us to explain this before we continue?" It gives a clear, professional 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.