Non-Technical Skills in Dental Practice: Improving Patient Safety through Learning from Other Clinical Environments

Many factors can affect dental professionals' performance in the clinical environment, though emphasis has traditionally been placed upon comprehensive knowledge, robust technical skills and sound manual dexterity. Without doubt these skills are crucial, but by themselves are insufficient to ensure the very best patient outcomes. Surgical colleagues are increasingly recognising the importance of non-technical skills, which can be integrated into a clinician's repertoire to complement other strengths and optimise performance. In this article, the value of non-technical skills within craft specialties is explored, highlighting specific evidence relating to dental professionals.