Feedback Upwards or Across Power Imbalance

Feedback Upwards or Across Power Imbalance supports meeting I 1.8. For dental nurses this means raising concerns or suggestions respectfully when the other person is senior.

Communication in dental nursing directly affects patient safety. It supports consent, dignity, reassurance, records, handover, prevention and escalation.

These situations arise in routine moments: a patient who appears uncertain, a receptionist seeking guidance, a dentist working quickly, a trainee needing feedback, a message about care, a handover, or a colleague unsure about raising a concern. Interpersonal skill here is responding with care, clear communication and appropriate professional judgement.

Practical markers

• Notice: what the patient, colleague, situation or system is signalling.
• 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: record actions, give feedback, seek supervision, raise the issue in team discussion or escalate when needed.

Useful language can be simple: "Can I check how the patient would prefer us to explain this before we continue?" This phrasing is calm and professional while prompting the team to pause, clarify or escalate.

SPF behaviour links

Giving feedback effectively to other members of the team helps dental nurses protect patient dignity, team trust and safe care.