Written and Electronic Team Messages

Written and Electronic Team Messages is part of meeting I 1.5. For dental nurses this covers accurate, professional use of records, task notes, referrals and practice systems.

Communication in dental nursing directly supports consent, dignity, reassurance, clinical records, handover, prevention and escalation of risk.

These responsibilities arise in routine 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 responding 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?" The wording is calm and professional and gives the team a clear reason to pause, clarify or escalate.

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.