Dental nurses ‘urged to leave Facebook group’

British dental nurses have been warned not to post abusive comments about patients through social media as it could conflict with the need to treat patients with respect and dignity.

Pam Swain, the chief executive of the British Association of Dental Nurses made her comments in a post to the Facebook group I’m a Dental Nurse and I Hate Patients Because…, urging professionals to delete inappropriate postings attributed to their names.

The group, which is listed as being “just for fun” states that it is for nurses who are fed up with their patients.

However, Ms Swain warned that the General Dental Council is aware of the group and could bring disciplinary action against nurses who breach the Standards for Dental Nursing, by breaching confidentiality or posting offensive remarks.

“I would therefore advise any UK registered dental nurses to remove themselves from membership of this group and to delete any inappropriate postings made in their name as soon as possible,” she urged.

Recently, a number of professionals and groups have warned people about the dangers of leaving photographs of themselves drunk or behaving badly available online as potential employers may be put off.