Top tips for child protection for the GDP.

UNLABELLED: Knowledge of child protection is essential in everyday practice for the whole dental team as they are well placed to take part in the shared responsibility of protecting children. Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse and emotional abuse may all present to the dental team in various ways. This article aims to provide some top tips for general dental practitioners who have concerns regarding possible child abuse/neglect and remind them of what observations to make and what questions to ask themselves when they are concerned about a child's welfare.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Abuse and neglect are areas in child protection that the dental team can provide important information about to the local child protection team. All members of the dental team need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of child abuse/neglect and where to go for help.