Confidentiality and Patient Images

Confidentiality and patient images relate to I 1.9. For dental nurses this means protecting patient information, photographs and any identifiable situations.

Social media may feel informal but it remains professional communication. Confidentiality, consent, tone, advertising and public trust still apply online.

These issues arise in ordinary clinical moments: a patient who looks uncertain, a receptionist asking for guidance, a dentist working quickly, a trainee needing feedback, a digital message, a handover, or a colleague unsure about raising a concern. Interpersonal skill is 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 simple: "I do not think we should respond online until the practice lead has checked confidentiality and tone." It is calm, professional and gives the team a clear reason to pause, clarify or escalate.

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.