Welcome

This course is for dental nurses seeking targeted CPD for the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework Interpersonal Skills learning outcome I 2.6: Describe the impact of Direct Access on each registrant group and the impact on the application of each group's scope of practice.

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 2.6 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)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.

The Interpersonal Skills domain expects dental nurses to communicate with emotional awareness, care, compassion, empathy and respect. It also requires 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 see how to observe, support, explain within their role, record, question, hand over and escalate without making decisions beyond their competence.
• It supports professionalism: I2.6 is presented as practical guidance for safe communication, preserving patient dignity and maintaining effective teamwork.

A Simple Learner Spine

• Describe Direct Access and why it matters for team working.
• Recognise how registrant group scope affects patient pathways.
• Understand dental nurse roles within Direct Access services.
• Communicate scope boundaries clearly to patients and colleagues.
• Escalate when Direct Access arrangements create risk or confusion.