Reflective practice: a learning tool for dental nurses

Reflection is reviewing, or thinking about something. It is argued that reflection is a ‘key element’ of a dental professional’s development (Rughani et al. 2003). The General Dental Council (GDC) encourages registrants to reflect on their knowledge, skills and performance, as a means of identifying strengths and weaknesses (GDC, 2005). But if, having reflected on our knowledge, skills and performance, we do nothing further, what do we gain, other than knowing what we can do well, or not so well?

By introducing the principles and practice of reflection, this article aims to support dental nurses in developing their reflective skills, and applying them to improve their knowledge, skills and performance to promote higher standards for patients, their practice and personal development.