Safeguarding is the term used for protecting a person’s health, well-being and human rights to enable them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. Sadly, we hear all too often of cases of abuse and neglect and questions are asked about why didn’t anyone say anything.
In a dental environment, we have a duty of care to recognise and raise concerns if we believe a patient or member of staff has safeguarding concerns. Sometimes we can recognise a sign that may have been missed or are able to provide a piece in the puzzle that feeds a bigger picture, that allows the person to get help.
In a dental environment, we are looking out for signs of adults and children at risk. This could be things such as
- Has there been a delay in seeking advice or treatment for which there is no satisfactory explanation?
- Is there neglect of oral health, for example, toothbrushes or toothpaste are not supplied?
- Are there any unexplained injuries?
- Is there concern regarding the behaviour of a child or vulnerable adult around their parent or carer?
- Is the child or adult dressed in appropriate clothes for the weather?
- Are there any other signs of abuse or neglect?
- Is an elderly person no longer able to look after themselves and are they coming to harm because of this?
- Is there reason to believe Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has occurred or is likely to occur?
- Have we been made aware of an arranged marriage?
- Is there reason to believe a person is in a position of slavery?
- Has a child not been brought to their appointment?
If we are concerned, we will record what we have seen and heard in the patient’s own words. If we believe a child or adult is at risk of immediate harm, we will call the police straight away. However, if this is not the case, we will discuss our concerns with the patient or carer and share our intention to refer to local authority services. Ideally, we will seek consent to do this. We will then liaise with local services to ensure an appropriate outcome is reached.
To safeguard patients in the practice, we ensure that all our staff undergo appropriate DBS/PVG/Access NI checks. We ask that anyone under the age of 16, is accompanied by an adult or carer. This is the same for an ‘adult at risk’. It is important that the person accompanying the child or ‘adult at risk’, can help explain to the patient the dentist’s advice and help them to make decisions regarding any treatment recommended by the dentist or health professional. In some situations, the carer will need to make the decisions for the patient.
Safeguarding isn’t just for health professionals; anyone can raise concerns.
If you have any safeguarding concerns here are some organisations that could help
Domestic violence
Men’s Advice Line
https://mensadviceline.org.uk/
Women’s Aid
https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/
Refuge
Child Abuse
Childline
Adult Safeguarding in Hampshire
https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/adultsocialcare/safeguarding
