Safeguarding practice
Recognise concerns in adults and children, listen, document accurately and use the proper local route for advice or referral.
Understand
Safeguarding involves recognition, accurate recording and proportionate action. Dental neglect, unexplained trauma or coercion may coexist with complex social circumstances.
Assess
Listen without leading questions, record the person's words and objective findings, and consider immediate safety. Seek advice from the safeguarding lead or statutory pathway.
Apply
Share concerns with the appropriate service under local policy and document who was contacted. Do not postpone action until abuse is proved.
Key distinctions
Safeguarding can involve children or adults at risk and may arise from injury patterns, neglect, coercion or disclosures. The clinician records facts and concerns, assesses immediate safety and shares through an established pathway. Respectful communication matters because people may fear consequences of disclosure. Proof is not required before seeking advice; investigation belongs to trained statutory services.
Think through a case
A clinician hears a concerning disclosure from a child while examining an injury. Record their words accurately and seek safeguarding advice through the correct route.
The distinction to remember
Do not attempt to investigate the allegation personally or demand proof before raising concern.
Test your recall
Should certainty of abuse be required before raising a concern?
Show answer
No; reasonable concern warrants appropriate action.