Handover and Referral Under Direct Access

Handover and Referral Under Direct Access supports I 2.6. For dental nurses this means communicating findings, limitations and required review clearly to keep patients safe.

Team working is a professional safety system: know roles, respect scope, communicate clearly and support colleagues who raise concerns.

These behaviours show up in everyday moments: a patient who seems unsure, a receptionist seeking guidance, a dentist working quickly, a trainee asking for 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 indicating.
• Choose: the communication method, team route or escalation step that fits the situation.
• Respect: role boundaries, confidentiality, dignity, cultural needs and emotional impact.
• Check: understanding, responsibility, handover content and whether the next person has the information they need.
• Follow up: record actions, give feedback, raise concerns or use supervision and team discussion as required.

Simple, professional language works best: "Can we pause and check whose role this is, so the patient gets the right support?" It calmly prompts clarification or escalation where needed.

SPF behaviour links

The impact of Direct Access on registrant groups and the application of each group's scope of practice helps dental nurses protect patient dignity, maintain team trust and deliver safe care.