GDC release joint statement on benefits of being a reflective practitioner

The General Dental Council (GDC) along with eight other healthcare regulators, have published a joint statement on the importance and benefits of being a reflective practitioner. Click here to read.

They have worked together to develop a statement, which sets out each of the organisations’ requirements for reflection. It also offers advice for practitioners on how to approach reflection effectively, both as individuals and as part of teams. This work is part of a shared commitment to drive an open and honest culture where professionals feel able to reflect on their experiences to support development and learning.

As well as reinforcing how reflection can help dental professionals gain insight into their whole practice, the statement highlights the direct impact it can have on improving services and patient care. It endorses the value of dental practitioners reflecting in groups, teams and multi-professional settings to help develop ideas that can bring about positive change in practice. As part of this, it makes it clear that employers should encourage their teams to make time for reflection as a way of aiding development, improving wellbeing and deepening professional commitment.

NEBDN continue to uphold GDC Standards for Education in the National Diploma qualification and encourage all Dental Nurses to read through the statement as part of their learning and development.

The statement has been signed by the General Chiropractic Council, General Dental Council, General Medical Council, General Optical Council, General Osteopathic Council, General Pharmaceutical Council, Health and Care Professions Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland.