Exam Pass Notes

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SPF P 1.7: key points

• Candour means being open and honest when treatment or care has gone wrong or may cause harm or distress.
• The professional duty of candour applies to registered dental professionals as individuals.
• Dental nurses may be the first to notice patient distress, confusion, an error, or an early complaint.
• Dental nurses can listen, acknowledge the patient’s concern, apologise suitably, make the situation safe, record facts and escalate when needed.
• Dental nurses should not investigate complex incidents alone, draw clinical conclusions beyond their scope, admit liability, promise compensation, or blame colleagues.
• Saying sorry is not the same as admitting legal liability.
• Handle complaints with privacy and respect. Listen calmly, explain the route for the complaint and arrange a prompt handover to the appropriate person.
• Records must be factual and respectful. Note what was said, what was done, and what was escalated.
• Candour should support learning and improvement rather than concealment or blame.
• If a colleague discourages openness, alters records, or opposes disclosure to a patient, raise the concern through the correct speaking-up route.

Exam memory line: candour is notice, make safe, tell the truth, say sorry, support, record, escalate and learn.