Safeguarding

Safeguarding

Protecting the rights of adults to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.

Who needs safeguarding?

Everyone, especially vulnerable individuals such as adults and children.

Vulnerable person

Individuals or groups more at risk of abuse or neglect due to family or environmental factors.

Neglect

The persistent failure to meet a child's physical and/or psychological needs, leading to serious impairment.

Dental neglect

Willful failure to seek and follow through with necessary dental treatment for a child.

Types of abuse

Includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and financial abuse.

Recognising neglect in adults

Signs include unkempt appearance, not administered medication, and malnourishment.

Abuse definition

An individual is abused if treated in an unacceptable way by cultural standards.

Physical Abuse

Involves harming a child through hitting, kicking, or other means of infliction.

Recognising emotional abuse

Includes difficult relationships, inappropriate behavior, and withdrawal from interactions.

GDC Principles

Dentists must raise concerns if they suspect a patient is at risk of abuse or neglect.

Legislation relevant to safeguarding

Includes Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Children’s Act.

Your role in safeguarding

Includes raising concerns, escalating issues, and promoting oral health.

Looked after children

Children in care who may face higher risks of abuse and poorer outcomes.

Children with disabilities and abuse

They have an increased risk due to communication issues and dependency on caregivers.

Pyramid of severity of child abuse

Ranks abuse severity from severe and deliberate to neglect and poor parenting.