Safeguarding vulnerable older adults

Safeguarding older adults involves protecting their right to live free from abuse and neglect, ensuring their safety and promoting their wellbeing. While everyone has a role to play in safeguarding, professionals working with older adults have a specific legal duty to protect them. The UK has an ageing population and an increasing number of older adults living with care and support needs. It is of upmost importance that dental teams have a good working knowledge of their role in safeguarding older adults at risk. The General Dental Council has recommended adult safeguarding as a core continuing professional development topic. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Knowledge of safeguarding older adults is essential information for clinicians who treat them.