How productive meetings can support teamwork

The benefits and difficulties of working in a dental team are well documented (Day, 2006; Department of Health, 2010). Main challenges often concern communication. A number of commentators have suggested that one of the best ways to resolve issues with communication within a team is to convene regular meetings, so all team members receive communications that are timely, adequate and consistent (Adair, 2009; Peberdy and Hammersley, 2009; National Leadership Council, 2011).

For most of us, time is very precious. No one understands this better than dental nurses and their colleagues who are working to deliver excellent care while complying with the regulatory requirements of organisations such as the General Dental Council (2005) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) (2010).