Welcome

This course is for dental nurses completing CPD for the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework Interpersonal Skills outcome I 2.1: Explain the responsibilities and limitations of delegating to other members of the dental team.

SPF fit: This course supports the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework domain of Interpersonal Skills, sub domain Teamwork and Wellbeing of Others. It focuses on learning outcome I 2.1 and maps to behaviours I(B)6: Where appropriate manage and refer/delegate work according to the scope of practice of members of the dental team, in line with competence and professional practice; I(B)2: Respect the roles of dental and other healthcare professionals in the context of learning and working in a dental and wider healthcare team; I(B)5: Take a patient-centred approach to working with the dental and wider healthcare team.

The Interpersonal Skills domain expects dental nurses to communicate with emotional awareness, care, compassion, empathy and respect, and to work effectively with colleagues while supporting their wellbeing.

Why This Course Matters

• It is targeted: the course covers a single SPF Interpersonal Skills learning outcome rather than general communication topics.
• It is dental-nurse specific: examples address chairside care, reception cover, handover, records, patient questions, interpreter needs, feedback, scope and team working.
• It keeps scope clear: dental nurses will learn which actions they can take - observe, support, explain within role, record, question, hand over and escalate - and which decisions remain outside their competence.
• It supports professionalism: the material treats I2.1 as practical knowledge for safe communication, patient dignity and effective teamwork.

A Simple Learner Spine

• Explain what delegation means in dental team working.
• Recognise limits created by scope, competence, training and supervision.
• Accept or decline delegated tasks safely and professionally.
• Support patient-centred delegation and handover.
• Escalate inappropriate or unsafe delegation.