Safe and ethical care

Habiba Gohur outlines the role of the dental professional in child protection. Aims: This CPD article aims to enhance understanding of safeguarding legislation, professional responsibilities and best practice in relation to children and young people. It seeks to support the dental team in recognising signs of abuse and neglect, including dental neglect, and in knowing how and when to take appropriate action. The article also aims to strengthen confidence in responding to safeguarding concerns through application of the five Rs—Recognise, Respond, Report, Record and Refer—and to improve awareness of information sharing principles, documentation requirements and multi-agency collaboration. Objectives: On completion of this CPD activity, the reader should be able to identify the different categories of child abuse and their signs as they may present in dental settings. Describe the role and responsibilities of dental professionals in safeguarding, including mandatory reporting requirements such as female genital mutilation (FGM). Apply the principles of the five Rs when managing concerns in practice, document safeguarding concerns accurately and appropriately, explain how confidentiality, consent and lawful information sharing operate in safeguarding cases, and follow local safeguarding procedures, including use of the NHS safeguarding app. This article meets GDC development outcome A .