Welcome

This course is for dental nurses seeking targeted CPD for the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework Interpersonal Skills outcome I 1.4: Communicate effectively and sensitively by spoken, written and electronic means with the public.

SPF fit: The course supports the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework domain Interpersonal Skills, sub-domain Effective Communication. It focuses on learning outcome I 1.4 and maps to behaviour I(B)1: Communicate with care, compassion, empathy and respect in all professional interactions with patients, their representatives, the public and colleagues.

The Interpersonal Skills domain requires dental nurses to communicate with emotional awareness, care, compassion, empathy and respect. It also covers effective team working and supporting the wellbeing of others.

Why This Course Matters

• It is targeted: the course concentrates on a single SPF Interpersonal Skills outcome rather than general communication theory.
• It is dental-nurse specific: examples relate to chairside care, reception cover, handover, records, patient questions, interpreter needs, feedback, scope and team working.
• It keeps scope clear: dental nurses are guided on observing, supporting, explaining within their role, recording, questioning, handing over and escalating, without making decisions beyond their competence.
• It supports professionalism: I1.4 is presented as practical knowledge for safe communication, maintaining patient dignity and effective teamwork.

A Simple Learner Spine

• Communicate with the public clearly, respectfully and professionally.
• Recognise boundaries between public information and clinical advice.
• Use telephone, email, website and social channels safely.
• Protect confidentiality when communicating outside the surgery.
• Escalate public enquiries, complaints or concerns appropriately.