Confidentiality and social media

To explain the importance of confidentiality when using social media in relation to our
GDC obligations as a registrant and principles of professionalism.

Objectives

Learning outcomes

To understand the dental nurse’s role in confidentiality

GDC Developmental Outcomes A, B, C and D

Confidentiality is linked to so many aspects of our position within the profession. It respects our patient’s dignity, it can preserve their safety, it is a professional requirement, and it is the fourth principle of the GDC standards. Standard 4.2 states, “You must protect the confidentiality of patients’ information and only use it for the purpose it was given.” This is a complex statement that covers more than just not identifying the patient or disclosing their medical history. This statement means we must keep all the knowledge we have about the patient to ourselves. The fact that a person is our patient is confidential (DDU, 2021).