Communication with Patients, Their Representatives, and the Public.
Section 3: GDC Preparing for Practice
Communication with Patients, Their Representatives, and the Public focuses on developing specialised communication strategies that foster effective and sensitive interactions in dental practice.
This course covers the full range of communication methods—verbal, non-verbal, and electronic—within the context of interacting with patients, their representatives, and the public, particularly in challenging situations and diverse cultural settings.
UK dental professionals are required to excel in these communication skills to ensure clear, accurate, and compassionate interactions that enhance patient care and satisfaction, as well as maintain public trust.
This course also highlights the importance of recognising and managing barriers to effective communication, understanding the nuances of non-verbal cues, and ensuring that patients fully comprehend their treatment options, associated costs, and the implications of their decisions, thereby securing valid consent.
GDC Publication: Preparing for Practice: Dental Team Learning Outcomes for Registration.
It is a General Dental Council (GDC) requirement that, to be on the UK Dental Register, the following communication outcomes are met:
Section 3: Communication with Patients, Their Representatives, and the Public
Upon registration with the GDC, the registrant will be able to demonstrate the outcomes as relevant to the practice of dentistry and patient care:
- 3.1 Communicate effectively and sensitively at all times with and about patients, their representatives, and the public, particularly in relation to patients with anxious or challenging behaviour, referring patients to colleagues, and managing difficult conversations such as breaking bad news or discussing sensitive topics.
- 3.2 Recognise the importance of non-verbal communication, including listening skills, and barriers to effective communication.
- 3.3 Explain and check patients’ understanding of treatments, options, and costs to enable patients to make informed choices and provide valid consent.
- 3.4 Obtain valid consent.
This course is designed to precisely meet these outcomes and will be invaluable to those seeking to join or rejoin the UK Dental Register, as well as those looking to enhance their communication skills when interacting with patients, their representatives, and the public in dental practice.
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This course, along with over 100 other CPD courses, is available for a single membership payment.
Aim
The aim of the learning and teaching materials in this Dentaljuce module is to equip dental professionals with specialised communication strategies that foster effective and sensitive interactions with patients, their representatives, and the public, particularly in challenging situations and diverse cultural contexts.
Course objective
- To meet the requirements of the GDC publication 'Preparing for practice': section 3.
Anticipated learning outcomes:
The learner will:- Communicate effectively and sensitively at all times with and about patients, their representatives, and the public in relation to:
- Patients with anxious or challenging behaviour.
- Referring patients to colleagues, particularly where patients are from diverse backgrounds or where there are barriers to patient communication.
- Difficult circumstances, such as breaking bad news, or discussing issues like alcohol consumption, smoking, or diet.
- Recognise the importance of non-verbal communication, including listening skills, and barriers to effective communication.
- Explain and check patients’ understanding of treatments, options, and costs to enable them to make their choice and give valid consent.
- Obtain valid consent.
GDC Development Outcomes
This CPD will support the learner in meeting the following GDC Development Outcome(s): A, B, D.