BSPD Conference Abstracts 2025

Background: Children and young people (CYP) who assume caring responsibilities are at increased risk of neglect, social isolation, failure to thrive, and poor health.Dental professionals play a crucial role in identifying and escalating safeguarding concerns for these CYP.Presenting Problem: A 10-year-old boy attended with his mother who was deaf and did not speak English.She was a wheelchair user with multiple limb deformity and so could not write, however, she could read limited English and verbalise.She relied on her son, who acted as her primary carer, to communicate and advocate for her in daily life.The child's primary school provided practical and financial support for the family, but no social care involvement was reported.Clinically, he presented with extensive untreated dental caries, raising concerns about dental neglect and overall well-being.Clinical Management: Consent was obtained through formal interpreting services and use of written communication aids.Preventive care included oral hygiene instruction, dietary advice, fluoride varnish, and fissure sealants.Stainless steel crowns (LRE, LLE), composite restorations (UR6, UL2, LL6), and extraction of ULE were completed, restoring oral health.A referral to Children's Social Care was made, allowing assessment of needs as the child transitions to secondary school, away from existing support structures.Discussion: This case highlights the dental team's role in identifying safeguarding concerns, emphasising the need for holistic assessment and multi-agency working.Obtaining consent for dental treatment and social care involvement in this case was especially challenging due to physical disability and complex communication barriers.