Key Points
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Outlines the role of the dental team in adult safeguarding issues.
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Explains how the 'Care Act 2014' affects dental practitioners.
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Reviews types of abuse, who is affected by safeguarding issues and what happens when a report is made.
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Provides scenarios as examples.
Abstract
The legal responsibilities of all those involved in the care of adults at risk of harm were set out in the 'Care Act 2014' which became law in England in April 2015. In the same month, the General Dental Council (GDC) announced that 'safeguarding vulnerable adults' was to become a recommended topic for continuing professional development (CPD), along with 'safeguarding children and young people.' This paper updates on relevant legislation, and outlines the role of dental professionals in adult safeguarding. It then advises on issues surrounding safeguarding concerns, using three scenarios for illustration. Rather than covering the very broad topic of abuse of adults in general, the paper focusses on 'adults at risk' to whom statutory safeguarding law applies.
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References
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Lewney, J., Boland, B. Adult safeguarding; guidance for dental professionals. Br Dent J 219, 287–291 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.721
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.721
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