Respectful Questions, Assessment Support and Handover

Respectful questions help the dental team learn about the patient's individual needs without prying or stereotyping. Dental nurses can support assessment by noting communication needs, privacy concerns, anxiety, carer involvement, accessibility barriers, safeguarding concerns or practical issues that might affect care.

Supporting assessment does not mean making clinical decisions outside your role. It means ensuring the clinician has the right information, at the right time, while protecting the patient's dignity and confidentiality.

Useful question styles

• "How would you prefer us to explain information today?"
• "Is there anything that would make the appointment easier for you?"
• "Would you like anyone involved in this conversation?"
• "Do you need information in a different format?"
• "Is there anything important we should know before we begin?"

Handover matters. If a patient needs a quiet waiting area, an interpreter, written aftercare, extra time, carer involvement or privacy, record and pass the information via the approved route so colleagues do not miss it.

Consent and communication support

Respectful questions are relevant, neutral and intended to help the patient receive safe care.