Safeguarding

protecting children and vulnerable adults

As a registrant, you must take appropriate action if you have concerns about the possible abuse of children or vulnerable adults.

Government guidance on safeguarding for the dental team:

Guidance_for_Safeguarding_in_GDP.pdf

Standards for the Dental Team states:

8.5.1 ‘You 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.’

8.5.2 ‘You must find out about local procedures for the protection of children and vulnerable adults. You must follow these procedures if you suspect that a child or vulnerable adult might be at risk because of abuse or neglect.’

The GDC considers the term ‘Vulnerable adult’ to mean “a person above the age of 18 years who is or may be in need of community care services (including healthcare) by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation.”

You are more likely as a general dental practitioner to notice injuries to the head, eyes, ears, neck, face, mouth and teeth. Bruising, bite marks, burns and eye injuries could suggest that a concern should be raised. The GDC states that if you decide not to share your concern with the appropriate authority you must be able to justify how you came to this decision.

Kent and Medway Safeguard Children Board have developed a website which contains information and advice about the protection and safeguarding of children in Kent and Medway. On the site, you’ll find a dedicated section for professionals.

Visit: www.kscb.org.uk

If the child is in immediate danger, call the emergency services using 999.

24-hour emergency number 03000 419191

If you are worried about the safety of a child or young person please contact the Central Duty Team on 03000 41 11 11

Alternative telephone numbers where you have concerns about a child.

NSPCC 0808 800 5000

Child Line 0800 1111

Kent and Medway safeguarding adults board have developed a website which contains information and advice about the protection and safeguarding of vulnerable adults in Kent and Medway:

Visit: https://www.kmsab.org.uk

Hourglass is an organisation committed to ending abuse of older people and you can call their helpline on 0808 808 8141

You can speak confidentially to a police officer from Medway / Kent Police via 111

Kent and Medway Safeguarding contacts and was last updated in June 2026