Specific, Factual and Respectful Feedback

Specific, factual and respectful feedback supports meeting I 1.8. For dental nurses this means addressing behaviour, describing its impact and suggesting clear next steps rather than commenting on personality.

Communication in dental nursing directly affects patient safety. It underpins consent, dignity, reassurance, record accuracy, handover, prevention and escalation of concerns.

In practice this appears in everyday situations: a patient who seems unsure, a receptionist seeking direction, a dentist working quickly, a trainee needing guidance, a digital message, a handover, or a colleague hesitant to raise an issue. Interpersonal skill is the ability to respond with care, clarity and professional judgement.

Practical markers

• Notice: what the patient, colleague, situation or system is showing.
• Choose: the 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, discuss in supervision or team meetings, and raise concerns when required.

Useful wording can be simple and direct: "Can I check how the patient would prefer us to explain this before we continue?" It is calm, professional and gives the team 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 deliver safe care.