Welcome

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a safeguarding issue dental nurses may encounter during routine care, at reception, when updating medical histories, in conversations with families, or through concerns raised by colleagues.

This course is for dental nurses working in UK dental practice. As a Level 3 safeguarding course it goes beyond basic awareness and concentrates on professional curiosity, proportionate risk assessment, sensitive communication, escalation and information sharing, accurate record-keeping, and speaking up when concerns are not being taken seriously.

Why This Course Matters

FGM affects physical and mental health, can undermine trust in professionals, and may put family members at risk or limit access to care. Dental nurses are often positioned to notice details such as a child who is anxious about travel, a parent who avoids direct answers, a patient disclosing past trauma, or a colleague who is unsure how to respond.

How This Course Will Help You

The course explains what FGM is, how risk can present in dental settings, what the law requires, how to respond to disclosures, and how to record and escalate concerns. It emphasises staying within your professional role while recognising safeguarding as a shared responsibility across the dental team.