Article
Recently, the GDC has confirmed ‘Safeguarding’ to be included as recommended CPD. Working as a foundation dentist in a high-needs area of the country, I would like to offer an opinion on how this may influence younger dentists.
Younger clinicians have a lot to consider in their first few weeks in general practice: not only do they have to remember how to hold a drill after a long summer break, but they also have to integrate efficiently with their practice team and communicate well with their patients. If you throw into the mix a child or vulnerable adult with the signs of abuse, this can be daunting, even for an experienced clinician and, although support for foundation dentists is good, it can be challenging to know exactly how best to sit down with the parents/carers and explain your concerns. However, it is an essential responsibility required of every dental health professional to know how to safeguard vulnerable patients, whether they are experienced or not.1
With it being estimated that 1 in 5 children in the UK have experienced some form of maltreatment in their lifetimes,2 there is no wonder that there is an onus on healthcare professionals to notice abuse or neglect and act accordingly. Many graduates may have moved to different parts of the country for their dental foundation year and may be unaware of different local cultures and perceptions of dental health. A child requiring a new filling at every check-up may be a case for dental neglect in a low-needs area of the country, but this may be less significant in an area where 3-year-olds requiring clearances under GA aren't unheard of. Of course, reporting any concerns within the practice and regional safeguarding frameworks3 would be necessary, however, the reasons behind such concerns could impact on locally held dental health beliefs rather than be an isolated case of neglect.
Parents or carers may take younger dentists less seriously and giving advice or recommendations can be difficult. However, children, adolescents and young adults may be more inclined to confide in someone their own age, thereby giving an advantage to younger clinicians in discovering neglect or abuse.
Undertaking CPD in ‘Safeguarding’ at an early stage in one's career will lead to a better understanding of how to manage situations of neglect or abuse, as well as giving the confidence to raise concerns as necessary. I am pleased that the GDC has placed ‘Safeguarding’ on its highly recommended list to highlight its importance and to promote good quality, verifiable CPD courses from which everyone can benefit.