The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) has published a new policy document on dental neglect in children. British Society of Paediatric Dentistry: a policy document on dental neglect in children is the Society's response to recent concerns that health professionals do not do enough to protect neglected children and to promote the welfare of those at risk.

Aimed at any dentist or dental care professional who provides care for children, the Society say the document will also be useful for other health professionals who may need to assess a child's dental health in the context of their general health.

Pictured (L to R): Jenny Harris, Dr Peter Sidebotham, Richard Balmer

The document gives guidance on how the dental team should respond to suspected neglect, recommendations are made for improvements in inter-agency working, service organisation and training and the need for further research in the field is highlighted.

The newly proposed definition of dental neglect, 'the persistent failure to meet a child's basic oral health needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of a child's oral or general health or development,' acknowledges that dental neglect may occur in isolation or may be an indicator of a wider picture of neglect and abuse and the Society says it is important that dental professionals know what to do in both situations.

Deborah Franklin, who chairs the Paediatric Dentistry Policy and Clinical Effectiveness Committee which commissioned the work, said 'Many dentists have done child protection training but still find it difficult to put into practice what they have learned, particularly when they see children with severe untreated dental caries. We hope that this policy document will help them respond effectively when they suspect neglect.'

Paediatrician Peter Sidebotham of the University of Warwick, who co-authored the document said, 'I am impressed by how much dentists already do to educate and support parents. This is a complex area and the boundaries between acceptable and unacceptable care are not always clear. I would encourage dentists, where they have concerns about a child's dental care, perhaps as a result of missed appointments or where they recognise potential markers of neglect, to seek advice from other health professionals experienced in child protection and, if necessary, to make a child protection referral.'

The authors acknowledge that dental team involvement with safeguarding children is in its infancy. Jenny Harris, Specialist in Paediatric Dentistry and lead author of the policy document said, 'These recommendations should be viewed as a starting point. They are presented with the aim of stimulating debate, particularly to encourage discussion with our medical and nursing colleagues. In time we hope that this will enhance care for vulnerable children.' To read the document visit www.bspd.co.uk/publications.html.