Welcome

This course is for dental nurses seeking focused CPD on the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework Interpersonal Skills outcome I 2.8: Explain the need to ensure that those who raise concerns are protected from discrimination or other detrimental effects.

SPF fit: This course maps to the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework domain Interpersonal Skills, sub-domain Teamwork and Wellbeing of Others. It concentrates on learning outcome I 2.8 and aligns with behaviours I(B)3: Demonstrate effective team working; I(B)4: Contribute to your team in providing dental care for patients; 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, and to work effectively within the team while supporting colleagues' wellbeing.

Why This Course Matters

• Targeted focus: the course addresses one specified SPF Interpersonal Skills outcome rather than general communication topics.
• Dental-nurse specific: examples relate to chairside care, reception cover, handovers, records, patient questions, interpreter needs, feedback, scope and team working.
• Clear role boundaries: dental nurses will learn what to observe, support, explain, record, question, hand over and escalate without making decisions beyond their competence.
• Practical professionalism: I2.8 is presented as actionable knowledge for safe communication, maintaining patient dignity and supporting effective teamwork.

A Simple Learner Spine

• Explain why people who raise concerns need protection.
• Recognise discrimination, victimisation and other detrimental treatment following concerns.
• Support colleagues who raise patient-safety or professional concerns.
• Use local and external routes when concerns are not handled fairly.
• Promote a team culture in which speaking up protects patients and staff.