1. Why safeguarding children is everyone’s job

This module in the series

Safeguarding children and young people, and adults at risk, is a GDC highly recommended CPD topic. PrismCPD delivers it as two 1-hour modules. This is module 1 (children and young people). Module 2 covers adults at risk. GDC Development Outcomes A, C and D.

Suggested study time

  • Duty, law and the two-module series — 18 min
  • How harm presents in dental practice — 20 min
  • What to do: listen, record, share, refer — 17 min
  • Knowledge check (MCQ) — 5 min

GDC Development Outcomes

  • Outcome A: communicating with children, parents/carers and other agencies in a way that is clear and does not contaminate a child’s account.
  • Outcome C: clinical knowledge — noticing injuries, neglected mouths and histories that do not add up.
  • Outcome D (primary): professionalism — putting the child’s welfare first and raising concerns even when it is uncomfortable.

What “safeguarding” means here

It is the work of protecting children from abuse and neglect, preventing harm, and making sure they get the help they need. In a dental practice that includes the child in the chair, siblings in the waiting room, and young people who attend on their own.

Key UK reference points (England, paraphrased)

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004 — the child’s welfare is paramount; local authorities have duties to children in need and children at risk of significant harm.
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children — the statutory framework for how agencies work together. Use the current edition that applies where you practise.
  • GDC Standards — raise concerns if patients are at risk; put patients’ interests first.
  • CQC (England) expects providers to have an effective safeguarding system, a named lead, and staff who know how to report.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own children’s legislation and national guidance. Follow the framework for your nation and your local safeguarding children partnership (or equivalent).

You are not the investigator

Your job is to notice, record and share. Police, children’s social care and the courts investigate. Asking lots of leading questions, photographing injuries “as evidence” without a protocol, or confronting an alleged abuser in the waiting room can harm the child and the later process.