The concerns and learning needs of dental teams were identified by consultation with interested specialist societies and staff groups. Their responses were used to develop new material for dental practice use. Practical recommendations and documentation were tested in the field by two dental teams (a general dental practice and a salaried primary dental care service). The draft handbook was critically read by colleagues from varied backgrounds in dentistry, nursing, and social services and amended in the light of their comments. The authors would like to thank all who gave their time and expertise to assist with this project (see acknowledgements).

Foreword

Few can fail to have noticed the sad, and all too frequent, news stories of children who are abused or neglected. Health, education and social services are placing increasing emphasis on preventing abuse and neglect by early intervention to support families where children and young people may be at risk. The dental team, like all other health professionals, has a part to play which has been highlighted by the General Dental Council in its revised guidance “Standards for Dental Professionals”.

Every day many hundreds of children visit the dentist. Our profession is recognised as being well placed to notice children with signs of maltreatment. By working together with other professionals involved in child protection we can make a positive contribution to the welfare of children, above and beyond their oral health.

If you are a dental professional this resource aims to equip you to recognise the presenting features of child abuse. It will help you understand your responsibilities and the action you should take if you have concerns about a child. It includes simple practical measures to incorporate into everyday practice to help your dental team safeguard children.

I congratulate all the authors and also all who have contributed advice, ideas and examples of good practice to this primary-care led project.

Barry Cockcroft
Acting Chief Dental Officer - England

Endorsements

Endorsed by:

Acknowledgements

Many colleagues have generously given their time and expertise to contribute to this project, either as individuals or as representatives of their organisations, specialist societies and dental team staff groups. The authors would like to thank them all, especially:

Members of the Rotherham PCT Dental Neglect Working Group and Gill Earl, NSPCC Training and Consultancy for challenging and inspiring us at the start

The staff of Ferham Dental Clinic, Rotherham and Castle View Dental Practice, Tiverton for providing insight into the practicalities of safeguarding children in dental practice

Dr Claire Elcock for research support

Dr Geoff Craig, Daryl Dugdale, Dr Stephen Fayle, Dr Janice Fiske MBE, Dr Joan Garlick, Susan Green, Dr Katherine Lines, Dr Jacqueline Mok, Dr Lawrence Mudford, Juliet Norman, Dr Charles Ormond, Dr Vic Tuck and Dr Susan Ward for critically reading and commenting on the draft document. Their varied backgrounds in dentistry, medicine, nursing and social services were reflected in their helpful suggestions which have enhanced the accuracy and usefulness of this material

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health’s Child Protection Standing Committee and the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry for their enthusiastic support

Dental Protection Limited and the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) for their valuable input

Software of Excellence for developing the custom record keeping screen

The colleagues who kindly tested the website during development and provided helpful feedback

Back to top

Expert group

Jenny Harris BDS MSc FDSRCS
Specialist in Paediatric Dentistry, South East Sheffield PCT

Peter Sidebotham MBChB MRCP FRCPCH MSc
Senior Lecturer in Child Health, University of Warwick

Richard Welbury MBBS PhD FDSRCS FDSRCPS FRCPCH
Professor of Paediatric Dentistry, Glasgow Dental School, University of Glasgow

Ranee Townsend BSc BDS MA
Joint Clinical Director, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster Community Dental Service, Rotherham PCT

Martyn Green BDS MFGDP DPDS
General Dental Practitioner, Tiverton, and Regional Adviser in General Dental Practice for the South West

Janet Goodwin BA(Hons) RDN
Qualifications Manager, National Exam Board for Dental Nurses

Chris Franklin BDS PhD FDSRCS FRCPath
Regional Postgraduate Dental Dean, South Yorkshire and East Midlands

Back to top