Welcome

This course is for dental nurses seeking targeted CPD mapped to the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework Interpersonal Skills outcome I 2.3: Describe the roles of dental and other healthcare professionals in the context of learning and working in a dental and wider healthcare team.

SPF fit: This course supports the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework domain Interpersonal Skills, sub-domain Teamwork and Wellbeing of Others. It focuses on learning outcome I 2.3 and maps to behaviours 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)3: Demonstrate effective team working; 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. It also expects effective team working and support for the wellbeing of others.

Why This Course Matters

• It is targeted: the course focuses on one SPF Interpersonal Skills learning outcome rather than general communication skills.
• It is dental-nurse specific: examples relate to chairside care, reception cover, handover, records, patient questions, interpreter needs, feedback, scope and team working.
• It keeps scope clear: dental nurses will learn what they can observe, support, explain, record, question, hand over and escalate without making decisions beyond their competence.
• It supports professionalism: I2.3 is presented as practical knowledge for safe communication, maintaining patient dignity and effective teamwork.

A Simple Learner Spine

• Describe key roles within the dental team.
• Recognise wider healthcare roles that interact with dental care.
• Respect role boundaries and recognise each team member's contribution.
• Use appropriate referral, handover and signposting routes.
• Support colleagues' learning and collaboration without exceeding your scope.