OSCE Practice –Supporting Valid Consent
Practise professionalism, communication, and ethical decision-making aligned with NEBDN OSCE expectations.
Scenario
You are a dental nurse working in a general dental practice.
A patient is seated before treatment and appears uncertain. The dentist has already discussed the planned procedure.
The patient says:
“I am not really sure what this treatment involves. Do I have to go ahead with it?”
You are the dental nurse responding professionally while supporting valid consent and patient understanding.
Your Task
In this OSCE scenario, you are expected to respond professionally while supporting valid consent and patient understanding.
You should be able to:
- Support patient understanding
- Recognise uncertainty about treatment
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Remain within scope of practice
- Escalate concerns appropriately
- Communicate calmly and professionally
Please log in to access this Quiz.
This Scenario Assesses
This station tests important professionalism, ethics, and legal responsibilities expected of a dental nurse, including:
- Valid consent awareness
- Professional communication
- Scope of practice
- Ethical decision-making
- Patient-centred care
- Professional boundaries
This scenario also develops confidence in supporting patients who are uncertain about treatment.
Model Answer / Ideal Response
A strong response should be calm, professional, and respectful while maintaining confidentiality.
Step 1 — Acknowledge the Patient’s Concern
Respond professionally and avoid pressure.
Example:
“It is important that you feel comfortable and understand your treatment.”
This reassures the patient and supports autonomy.
Step 2 — Support Understanding
If the patient remains unsure:
- Encourage questions
- Escalate to the clinician
- Avoid giving advice outside your role
Example:
“I can ask the dentist to discuss it with you again.”
Step 3 — Respect Patient Choice
Patients should generally:
- Feel informed
- Have time to ask questions
- Understand they can decide whether to proceed
Avoid making patients feel pressured.
Step 4 — Maintain Scope of Practice
Do not:
- Recommend treatments independently
- Explain risks beyond competence
- Make decisions for patients
Escalate appropriately where needed.
Step 5 — Check Understanding
Before treatment continues:
- Ensure concerns are addressed
- Support professional communication
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pressuring the patient
- Saying treatment must continue
- Giving advice outside scope
- Ignoring patient uncertainty
- Rushing the discussion
- Making treatment decisions for patients
Key Learning Points
- Valid consent requires patient understanding
- Patients should not feel pressured
- Dental nurses should remain within scope of practice
- Patients may ask questions or decline treatment
- Communication should remain calm and professional