Colleagues, Group Chats and Screenshots

Colleagues, Group Chats and Screenshots supports meeting I 1.9. For dental nurses, closed groups and private messages can still affect professionalism and public trust.

Social media may feel informal, but professional standards still apply. Confidentiality, consent, appropriate tone, advertising rules and public confidence must be considered online.

These issues arise in everyday moments: a patient who seems unsure, a receptionist seeking guidance, a dentist working quickly, a trainee asking for feedback, a message handed over between colleagues, or someone unsure about raising a concern. Interpersonal skill means 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 wording can be brief and specific: "I do not think we should respond online until the practice lead has checked confidentiality and tone." It explains the reason to pause and suggests an appropriate next step.

SPF behaviour links

Professional expectations, impact and consequences of social media as a communication tool help dental nurses protect patient dignity, team trust and safe care.