Protecting at-risk dental patients

Given the nature of the role, dental professionals are well placed to notice potential patient abuse or neglect and to take appropriate action and/or help the patient to take appropriate action.Indeed in its Standards for the dental team, 1 the General Dental Council (GDC) states that dental professionals must 'raise any concerns you may have about the possible abuse or neglect of children or vulnerable adults.You must know who to contact for further advice and how to refer concerns to an appropriate authority such as your local social services department' .The GDC also recommends that registrants should take part in regular CPD to keep their knowledge up to date on safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults.