3. Brief, check, speak up, learn

Start-of-session brief

Two minutes: who is medically complex, who needs a translator, which lab work is in, who is covering emergencies. Not a meeting about feelings — a shared picture of the day.

Checklists where they earn their keep

Implant kits, sedation (if you provide it), extraction of the wrong tooth prevention (site, consent, radiograph, medical history). A checklist you skip is wallpaper. Keep them short and used.

Speak up

Use a clear phrase the team agrees: “I need you to stop.” Then state the fact: “This is the upper left, the plan says upper right.” Do not apologise for existing. If you are the person stopped, say thank you — in front of the patient if it is safe to do so.

After a near miss

Facts first, then what in the system made it likely, then one change (label, diary rule, second identifier). Significant-event analysis belongs here, alongside candour if the patient was affected (Legal and Ethical 2). Close the loop in a practice meeting without naming patients in an open forum.

Always follow your written incident procedure and current GDC Standards.