Welcome

This course is for dental nurses who need focused CPD on the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework Interpersonal Skills outcome I 1.7: Communicate appropriately and effectively in professional discussions and transactions.

SPF fit: This course supports the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework domain of Interpersonal Skills, sub-domain Effective Communication. It concentrates on learning outcome I 1.7 and maps to behaviours I(B)1: Communicate with care, compassion, empathy and respect in all professional interactions with patients, their representatives, the public and colleagues; I(B)3: Demonstrate effective team working.

The Interpersonal Skills domain expects dental nurses to communicate with emotional awareness, care, compassion, empathy and respect. It also expects effective team working and support for colleagues' wellbeing.

Why This Course Matters

• It is targeted: the course focuses on a single SPF Interpersonal Skills learning outcome rather than general communication principles.
• It is dental-nurse specific: examples centre on chairside care, reception cover, handover, records, patient questions, interpreter needs, feedback, scope and team working.
• It keeps scope clear: dental nurses will learn to observe, support, explain within their role, record, question, hand over and escalate without making decisions beyond their competence.
• It supports professionalism: I1.7 is presented as practical knowledge for safe communication, maintaining patient dignity and effective teamwork.

A Simple Learner Spine

• Use professional communication in discussions, requests and transactions.
• Maintain clarity, respect and confidentiality in routine and difficult exchanges.
• Recognise when a transaction has clinical, legal or ethical implications.
• Escalate disputes, misunderstandings or pressure appropriately.
• Record relevant information accurately and proportionately.