Public Communication and Dental Nursing

Public Communication and Dental Nursing relates to I 1.4. For dental nurses this means maintaining a professional tone and clear boundaries when speaking with patients, relatives, carers and visitors.

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

In everyday practice this shows up in small interactions: a patient who seems uncertain, a receptionist seeking guidance, a dentist working quickly, a trainee needing feedback, a digital message, a handover, or a colleague unsure how to raise a concern. Interpersonal skill is the ability to respond with care, clarity and appropriate 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?" The wording 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.