The first official guide to the dental team's role in child protection was recently launched by Health Minister Rosie Winterton, outlining the team's duties in the wake of the Victoria Climbié tragedy. Child protection and the dental team was commissioned and funded by the Department of Health, and follows work by paediatric dentists to explore how they should meet the challenges set by Lord Laming's inquiry into the death of eight-year-old Victoria Climbié, following a year of abuse. The inquiry criticised health professionals for missing numerous opportunities to protect her.
The new guide gives practical advice for the whole dental team on spotting the signs of abuse, ranging from physical injury to changes in behaviour and interaction with parents. It then gives guidance on what to do if you suspect a child is a victim of abuse. It also provides practical suggestions to help dental teams safeguard children, including advice on how to find out about local sources of help and further training.
The handbook is supported by an open-access website www.cpdt.org.uk. Pictured above, Health Minister Rosie Winterton with members of the expert group who developed the guide.
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First child protection guide launched. Vital 3, 9 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/vital452
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/vital452
