Recognising Concerns in Children and Young People

Child safeguarding means protecting children from harm, preventing impairment to their health or development, and ensuring they receive safe and appropriate care.

Dental nurses may observe signs that raise concern: physical, emotional or sexual abuse; neglect; exploitation; online harm; domestic abuse in the household; or parental problems that affect a child. Oral and dental indicators can be relevant, including untreated dental pain, repeated missed appointments, poor oral hygiene, injuries that do not match the explanation, or a child who is fearful of a particular adult. No single sign proves abuse.

Neglect can be overlooked in dentistry because missed care might be explained by cost, transport, anxiety, language, or access issues. These barriers are relevant, but repeated failure to treat pain, swelling, infection or clear dental disease may require a safeguarding discussion, especially if the child is suffering or a parent or carer is not engaging with support.

• Notice the child's words, appearance, behaviour and interactions.
• Consider patterns across appointments, not only the current visit.
• Listen to reception and nursing colleagues for concerns or context.
• Record factual observations rather than labels.
• Share urgent concerns before the child leaves if their safety may be at immediate risk.

In child safeguarding, the question is not "Can I prove abuse?" but "Could this child need help or protection?"

Children Who May Need Extra Attention