From Feedback to Improvement

From Feedback to Improvement relates to I 1.8. For dental nurses this means recognising repeated feedback themes and turning them into supervision, training or changes to systems and processes.

Communication in dental nursing supports patient safety: consent, dignity, reassurance, accurate records, effective handover, prevention and escalation when needed.

In practice this appears in everyday moments: a patient who seems unsure, a receptionist seeking guidance, a dentist moving quickly, a trainee needing direction, a digital message, a handover, or a colleague reluctant to raise a concern. Interpersonal skill is the ability to respond with care, clarity 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, raise in supervision or team discussion, or escalate concerns when required.

Useful wording can be simple and specific: "Can I check how the patient would prefer us to explain this before we continue?" It is calm, professional and gives a clear reason to pause, clarify or escalate.

SPF behaviour links

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