Spoken Handover and Closed-Loop Communication

Spoken handover and closed-loop communication support meeting I 1.5. For dental nurses this means confirming that information has been heard, understood and acted on.

Communication in dental nursing contributes directly to patient safety. It supports consent, dignity, reassurance, record accuracy, handover, prevention and escalation when needed.

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

Practical markers

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

Simple, direct wording is often best: "Can I check how the patient would prefer us to explain this before we continue?" This invites a pause to clarify or escalate while remaining calm and professional.

SPF behaviour links

Spoken, written and electronic communication with dental and wider healthcare colleagues helps dental nurses protect patient dignity, team trust and safe care.