Recognising human factors and minimising error
Brennan PA et al (2016) Good people who try their best can have problems: recognition of human factors and how to minimise error. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg54: 3–7. doi:10.1016/j.bjoms.2015.09.023
All Legal and brief
What do you think of us so far? Obtaining patient feedback
The experience of your patients is critical to improving your performance, but how do you get them to mark your scorecard?
Safeguarding: the five-point plan for dental practices
To help ensure that safeguarding of children and adults is fully understood and carried through into daily practice this article focuses on a five-point plan to ensure your practice is well prepared and responsive to the safeguarding needs of children, young people and adults
Whistleblowing: putting patients first
Attitudes to whistleblowing are changing in all businesses, including dentistry. Dental nurses need to know when to metaphorically put the whistle to their lips and blow, as Dave Hancock explains
The importance of health histories and disclosure
In this international research article, the importance of making patients aware of their health histories and how it affects their oral health is examined and discussed
How to communicate better with patients and colleagues
The need for excellent communication skills in practice is often overlooked—they are not a core CPD topic, for example—or regarded as the preserve of receptionists. Dave Hancock considers why dental nurses need to be first-rate communicators
Safeguarding children: where does the responsibility lie?
This article outlines the roles and responsibilities of professionals coming into contact with children, highlighting what to look out for and how to react to any concerns that may arise
Fair's fair? Equality and diversity in practice
In this article, Fiona Stuart-Wilson discusses equality and diversity, and how this affects the dental team in everyday practice
How dental nurses stay out of trouble
In this article, Nicola Burnett Smith discusses misconduct within practice. To stay out of trouble, dental nurses can ensure that they adhere to best practice both in and out of the workplace
Dentistry and the adult at risk
This article discusses what was once termed the ‘vulnerable adult’. It explains who can be at risk, and how this can affect their dental health
How to communicate effectively with patients
This article provides guidance on how to talk to your patients in an effective way. This will build trust and create a good rapport so that patients will feel comfortable talking to you
The CQC and safeguarding: the impact on dental nurses
Following new legislation, the Care Quality Commission published a statement on its roles and responsibilities for safeguarding children and adults in England. Dave Hancock considers the likely impact on dental nurses
What are your rights in a redundancy situation?
The law on redundancy is principally contained in the Employment Rights Act 1996. This article explains what rights you have if you are facing redundancy
Questions and Answers
In this section, we answer your questions on all issues relating to dental nursing. To submit a question, please email dn@markallengroup.com
Flexible working: what are your rights?
The right to request flexible working was introduced into UK law in April 2003 in order to assist the parents of young children by giving them the right to request to work flexibly. The right was extended to all eligible staff in June 2014. This article explains what the new rights entail
