Exam Pass Notes

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SPF P 1.9: key points

• Dental nurses are personally responsible for acting when their health, behaviour or professional performance could affect patient safety or public confidence.
• Concerns can relate to yourself or to another dental professional.
• If your health affects practice you may need support, reasonable adjustments, occupational health advice, altered duties or a temporary stop to practising.
• Reports about others should stick to facts, be proportionate and follow appropriate procedures.
• Use local routes first where it is safe and practical to do so.
• Local routes can include the lead nurse, dentist, practice manager, owner, HR, occupational health, tutor, safeguarding lead, incident reporting, indemnity provider or professional association.
• Escalate externally if local action is impractical, has failed, the concern is serious, or there is fear of victimisation or concealment.
• Consider GDC reporting where patients or the public require protection or a registrant's fitness to practise may be impaired.
• Raising concerns is not gossip, blame or a routine employment disagreement.
• If unsure, seek advice rather than ignoring a genuine concern.

Exam memory line: notice risk, act early, use local support when safe, escalate if unresolved or severe, and keep patient safety and public confidence central.