Exam Pass Notes

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These notes summarise the key points for SPF P3.10. Describe and Support Patients to Negotiate Barriers to Oral Healthcare for dental nurses.

Core SPF Focus

• The course is organised around GDC Safe Practitioner Framework Professionalism learning outcome P 3.10.
• The exact learning outcome is: Describe and where appropriate support patients to negotiate the barriers and challenges which prevent sections of the population accessing oral healthcare, including patients from marginalised populations and patients with protected characteristics.
• The linked behaviour is P(B)17: Contribute positively to the healthcare communities of which you are a part.
• The course focuses on dental nursing practice, patient safety, team communication and professional accountability.

Five Things to Remember

• Describe the barriers and challenges that prevent people accessing oral healthcare.
• Identify marginalised populations and protected characteristics when planning access.
• Support patients to address barriers where this falls within your role and competence.
• Use inclusive communication and apply reasonable adjustments where needed.
• Report and escalate repeated access barriers that reflect practice or system issues.

Exam Focus

• Quote the SPF wording when asked about the course focus.
• Answer within the dental nurse scope, but raise concerns or seek help where patient safety or access are affected.
• Consider patients, colleagues, records, handovers, local systems and escalation routes when framing answers.
• Refer to official guidance and local policy for questions involving legal, governance, access or sustainability detail.
• Choose answers that are factual, respectful, patient-centred and proportionate.