Child and dentist brushing teeth
child protection and the dental team
Introduction - why you need to know Abuse and Neglect - what you need to know Child Protection - responding Safeguarding children - in dental practice
What is abuse?Categories of abusePrevalenceRecognising abuse and neglectVulnerable groupsParental factorsSocial factorsChild factorsThe question of dental neglectReturn to homepageGlossaryReferencesFinding your local contactsFurther informationFurther trainingDownloads Vulnerable groups

Certain individuals or groups of children may be more vulnerable to abuse or neglect because of risk factors in their family or environment, or because of the way they are perceived by their carers.

Recognising these vulnerable groups may enable the dental practitioner to take steps to promote and safeguard the well-being of such children and to respond appropriately to concerns.

It is important, however, not to stigmatize families because of the presence of particular risk factors; whilst the risks of maltreatment may be higher, the majority of children within these vulnerable groups are loved and cared for and do not experience abuse.
Parental Factors

Young or single parents, parents with learning difficulties, those who themselves have experienced adverse childhoods and those with any mental health problems, including problems of drug or alcohol abuse, are all more at risk of abusing or neglecting their children.23 They may often need extra support in meeting their children’s needs and may be more vulnerable to the stresses inherent in parenting.
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