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What to do if you suspect a child is being abused

BDJ In Practice volume 32, page 26 (2019)Cite this article

The vast majority of widely reported cases in the press of serious child abuse have spoken of missed opportunities to help; often by healthcare or education professionals. As dentists you are one of the key professionals that might come into contact with abused or neglected children - you are a vital early warning in getting them help. It is important that you have discussed with your team what to look out for and how to assess any concerns.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN), working with other healthcare bodies, including the BDA, has put together guidance Safeguarding Children and Young People: Roles and Competencies for Healthcare Staff1 with a training plan covering the dental team. Most dentists and DCPs will need Level 2 training with refresher training every three years. If you have a particular safeguarding role in your organisation, some dentists will require Level 3 training whilst practice managers, receptionists and other non-clinical staff will need Level 1 training. It is also important that new starters get at least 30 minutes training as part of their induction programme within six weeks of starting work to introduce them to safeguarding in your practice. The BDA has set up an arrangement for members to access formal training with the Child Protection Company and you can also cover your refresher training on the BDA CPD hub.

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References

  1. Royal College of Nursing. Safeguarding Children and Young People: Roles and Competencies for Healthcare Staff, Intercollegiate Document, 4th Edition, January 2019.

  2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Child maltreatment: when to suspect maltreatment in under 18s. Available online at: www.nice.org.uk/Guidance/CG89 (Accessed April 2019).

  3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Child abuse and neglect. Available online at: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng76 (Accessed April 2019).

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  1. Head of Advice Publications. British Dental Association. 64 Wimpole Street, W1G 8YS, London, UK

    James Dawson

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  1. James Dawson
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Correspondence to James Dawson.

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Dawson, J. What to do if you suspect a child is being abused. BDJ In Pract 32, 26 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41404-019-0033-4

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