Recognising Indicators in Dental Practice

Dental nurses may encounter signs of FGM in places that do not initially look like safeguarding concerns: a medical history, a remark in the waiting room, a pattern of missed appointments, visible anxiety in the chair, or a family's response to routine questions.

Indicators are not proof; they are prompts to record observations and seek advice. A child might be withdrawn, fearful of an upcoming trip, unusually anxious when separated from a parent, or reluctant to speak when a relative is present. An adult survivor may report pelvic pain, urinary problems, traumatic childbirth experiences, painful intimate examinations, or distress around healthcare. In dental settings, presentation can be subtle - pain, silence, or a sudden change in behaviour.

Possible risk factors include a family history of FGM, a mother or sister who has had FGM, planned travel to a country where FGM is practised, a child mentioning a special ceremony, or family pressure around rites of passage. These factors must be considered alongside the whole clinical and social picture and not used as labels.

• Notice words, behaviour, timing, and who is present.
• Listen to reception colleagues who may hear informal comments.
• Record exact phrases where possible.
• Share concerns promptly with the safeguarding lead or dentist.
• Use emergency routes if a child is in immediate danger.

Dental nurses should not investigate FGM, but they must not let possible indicators be overlooked during a busy clinic day.

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