Reviewing Colleague Progress

Reviewing colleague progress supports I 2.2. For dental nurses this means using observation, evidence and clear feedback rather than assumptions.

Team working is a professional safety measure: knowing roles, respecting scope, communicating clearly and protecting people who raise concerns.

These moments are often ordinary: 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 worried about raising an issue. 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.

Simple phrasing works well. For example: "Can we pause and check whose role this is, so the patient gets the right support?" It is calm, professional and gives the team a clear reason to pause, clarify or escalate.

SPF behaviour links

Professional responsibilities in appraisal, colleague development and effective feedback help dental nurses protect patient dignity, team trust and safe care.