Module Directory

In the realm of health and social care, society establishes clear expectations for professionals, encompassing patients’ rights and standards of care. This module introduces students to the concept of clinical governance in both primary and secondary care, as well as the measures implemented by the NHS to ensure public safety, underscoring the importance of professional accountability.

The teaching sessions seamlessly integrate theoretical instruction with practical scenarios. The curriculum is evidence-based, drawing from contemporary literature to enhance the learning experience. As society becomes increasingly litigious, a solid understanding of health care law is essential for professional practice. Health care professionals must justify their actions and resource decisions. Therefore, this module provides an overview of the legal and ethical frameworks governing practice and research, emphasizing the significance of moral reasoning in the field.

The aims of this module are:

• To empower students to take charge of their learning, identify their learning styles


• To cultivate the skills necessary for success in higher education and the professional environment.


• To develop lifelong professional skills which are essential for all Dental care professionals

By the end of the module, students will be expected to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to engage with technology, particularly the effective and efficient use of information communication technology by gathering relevant information from a wide range of sources, including electronic data relevant to dental practice.


2. Review their study skills, learning styles, and personal strengths as the basis for setting goals for learning.


3. Apply a structured reflection model to show how insights gained have changed practice. Discuss the role of coping strategies like reflection, self-acceptance, debriefing, handing over tasks, peer support, and seeking help in addressing challenges, wellbeing or setbacks and use this for self-development and professional development planning.


4. Demonstrate an understanding of verbal and nonverbal communication, human interaction, listening skills and the barriers to effective communication including the impact and importance of consent in healthcare.


5. Initiate rapport, respond to non-verbal cues, and establish effective communication with patients and other members of the health care team. Communicating effectively and sensitively, via spoken, written and/or electronic means with all patients, including patients whose first language is not English (using representatives or interpreters where necessary), especially in difficult circumstances, patient care, or patient distress.


6. Communicate in a manner that is consistent with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures


7. Demonstrate critical understanding of the organisation of the NHS in the context of patient centred care.


8. Demonstrate understanding of the clinical governance arrangements within NHS and general dental practice, including handling complaints and using complaint as feedback to improve services.


9. Contribute to quality improvement through agreed protocols, clinical guidelines and audit and appraisal and explain how and where to report any patient safety issues which arise to minimise and mitigate risk.


10. Explain the need to ensure that those who raise concerns are protected from discrimination or other detrimental effects


11. Comply with local procedures for risk and safety management, including infection control, control of substances hazardous to health, fire regulations, safety issues relating to the use of dental equipment and materials, reporting adverse events and near misses.


12. Demonstrate understanding of the importance of using and cleaning equipment safely, and deal with faulty equipment appropriately. Explaining the need for effective recorded maintenance and testing of equipment and requirements for appropriate storage, handling, and use of materials.


13. Identify the responsibilities and limitations of task delegation within the dental team, ensuring tasks align with team members' skills and regulatory compliance. Recognising how various roles and scopes contribute to the patient care and evaluating the of role of collaboration in dental practice aligns to GDC regulations.


14. Practice within the legislative and ethical frameworks appropriate to the role of DCPs, and the GDC’s standards of conduct, Maintaining Standards, patient confidentiality and demonstrating professionalism regarding the use of Social media, alcohol and recreational drugs; reporting health problems and potential impacts that affect patient safety.


15. Accept responsibility for continuing professional development, aware of own limitation and seek guidance and support from colleagues and professional body, including the dental defence organisations.


16. Demonstrate understanding of the principles of delegation and accept delegated responsibility.


17. Identify support options for those affected by violent incidents and the benefits for organisations. Recognising signs of abuse, neglect, or emotional trauma and demonstrating an understanding of safeguarding systems, and knowing how to raise concerns appropriately.


18. Explain the principles and procedures for complaints handling and the importance of candour with patients when things go wrong or when dealing with a complaint. Identifying the importance of having appropriate indemnity arrangements in place.


19. Describe the difference between management and leadership and demonstrate understanding of protected characteristics, diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination.


20. Discuss the ethical challenges associated with providing patient care within the current dental healthcare systems


21. Evaluate personal skills and limitations and refer patients to specialists when needed by providing clear and accurate information in various referrals. Highlighting the importance of timely and accurate patient records in compliance with legal standards and clinical guidelines.

This module will be delivered via:

• lectures (hours TBC)