Welcome

This course is for dental nurses completing CPD against the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework Interpersonal Skills outcome I 1.9: Explain the professional expectations, potential impact, and consequence of using social media as a communication tool.

SPF fit: This material supports the Interpersonal Skills domain, sub-domain Effective Communication. It focuses on learning outcome I 1.9 and maps to behaviour I(B)1: Communicate with care, compassion, empathy and respect in all professional interactions with patients, their representatives, the public and colleagues.

The Interpersonal Skills domain expects dental nurses to communicate with emotional awareness, care, compassion, empathy and respect. It also expects effective team working and support for the wellbeing of others.

Why This Course Matters

• It is targeted: the course concentrates on a single SPF Interpersonal Skills learning outcome rather than general communication principles.
• It is dental-nurse specific: examples relate to chairside care, reception cover, handover, record keeping, patient questions, interpreter needs, feedback, scope and team working.
• It keeps scope clear: dental nurses' roles in social media include observing, supporting, explaining within competence, recording, asking questions, handing over and escalating, not making decisions beyond their remit.
• It supports professionalism: I1.9 is presented as practical guidance for safe communication, maintaining patient dignity and effective teamwork.

A Simple Learner Spine

• Explain why social media is a professional communication risk.
• Protect patient confidentiality and public trust online.
• Recognise advertising, image, consent and boundary issues.
• Respond appropriately to online reviews, comments or messages.
• Escalate social media concerns through local and professional routes.