Building a Speaking-Up Culture

Building a Speaking-Up Culture supports meeting I 2.8. For dental nurses, this means treating early, factual concerns as a normal part of team care.

Team working is a safety system: it relies on clear roles, respect for scope of practice, accurate communication and protection for people who raise concerns.

These moments often happen in everyday situations: a patient who seems uncertain, a receptionist seeking guidance, a dentist working quickly, a trainee needing feedback, a message, a handover, or a colleague who is hesitant to speak up. Interpersonal skill means responding with care, clarity and professional judgement.

Practical markers

• Notice: what the patient, colleague, situation or system is indicating.
• Choose: a 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 and whether the next person has the information they need.
• Follow up: through records, feedback, supervision, team discussion or raising a formal concern when required.

Simple phrases work well: "Can we pause and check whose role this is, so the patient gets the right support?" The language stays calm and professional while giving the team a clear reason to pause, clarify or escalate.

SPF behaviour links

Ensuring people who raise concerns are protected from discrimination or other detrimental effects helps dental nurses protect patient dignity, team trust and safe care.