1. Adults at risk in dental practice

This module

Level 2 module 2 of 3 (1 hour). Care Act 2014 (England, paraphrased): adult safeguarding where a person has care and support needs, is at risk of abuse or neglect, and cannot protect themselves because of those needs. Other UK nations have equivalent adult-protection law — use yours.

Suggested study time

• Who is at risk and types of harm — 18 min
• Capacity — 20 min
• Domestic abuse and sharing — 17 min
• Knowledge check — 5 min

Types of adult abuse

Physical, sexual, psychological, financial, neglect, discriminatory and organisational abuse, domestic abuse, modern slavery, self-neglect. Dentistry often sees financial control of appointments, a carer who never leaves, untreated pain, or injuries that do not match the history.

Professional curiosity

Ask: am I hearing the patient, or only the person who brought them?