Safeguarding children in dentistry: 2. Do paediatric dentists neglect child dental neglect?

Abstract

In this second part of a two-part report, further fi ndings of a postal questionnaire sent in March 2005 to dentists with an
interest in paediatric dentistry working in varied UK settings are presented and discussed in the context of current multiagency good practice in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Using insights gained from a survey of selfreported management of children with neglected dentitions, this paper explores whether paediatric dentists neglect child
dental neglect. The authors conclude that current practice already includes much that contributes to promoting children’s
oral health and wellbeing. However, in a society where children continue to suffer as a result of abuse and neglect, they
warn that improvements are needed in communication between dentists and other health and social care professionals if
children’s welfare is to be safeguarded and promoted effectively and future tragedies avoided