Welcome

This course is for dental nurses completing CPD for the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework Professionalism learning outcome P 1.10: Explain the attributes of professional attitudes and behaviour in all environments and media, including interaction with social media.

SPF fit: This course supports the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework domain of Professionalism, sub domain Ethics and Integrity. It focuses on learning outcome P 1.10 and links closely to behaviours P(B)12, P(B)14, P(B)13, P(B)1 and P(B)15.

Professional behaviour applies at work, online and in public. Dental nurses represent the profession in the surgery, at reception, in team messages, on social media, in training and in the community. A single careless comment, image or online argument can damage trust.

Why This Course Matters

• Patients judge trust through behaviour: tone, respect, honesty and boundaries affect how patients view care.
• Social media travels: screenshots and forwards can make private comments public.
• Dental nurses are identifiable professionals: uniform, workplace tags and community links can connect behaviour to the profession.
• Confidentiality is fragile online: small details can identify a patient when combined with other information.
• Professional culture is everyone’s work: dental nurses can challenge disrespect, bullying and unsafe online habits.

A Simple Learner Spine

• Be respectful: treat patients, colleagues and the public with dignity.
• Be trustworthy: act honestly and protect confidentiality.
• Keep boundaries: separate your professional role from personal contact or private benefit.
• Think before posting: assume online content can be copied and shared.
• Speak up: address behaviour that may harm trust, safety or dignity.