Relevant Bodies and Local Policies

Relevant Bodies and Local Policies supports meeting I 2.5. For dental nurses this includes recognising where CQC, NHS guidance, practice policy, indemnity and employment support apply in everyday care and escalation.

Team working is a safety system: clear roles, agreed scope, timely communication and protecting people who raise concerns all reduce risk to patients.

These elements appear in ordinary moments: a patient who seems unsure, a receptionist asking for guidance, a dentist working quickly, a trainee needing feedback, a digital message, a handover, or a colleague worried 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: "Can we pause and check whose role this is, so the patient gets the right support?" The phrasing is calm and professional and gives the team a clear reason to pause, clarify or escalate.

SPF behaviour links

Team working guidance provided by the GDC and other relevant bodies helps dental nurses protect patient dignity, team trust and safe care.