Child protection: a survey of experience and knowledge within the dental profession of New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

Further education and training is required for both the dental profession and the child protection agencies to improve the inter-agency working relationship and thus provide better protection for children.

Child protection: training and experiences of dental therapists

“…Just over one third (34%) of respondents had suspected child abuse in one or more patients during their careers. This is comparable to the Scottish survey 12 and other international studies 17,18 but lower than reported levels in USA dentists. 19 The majority of DTs (83%) had recorded their fi ndings in the dental notes and again this is higher than the corresponding 56% in the Scottish survey.…”

“…This may refl ect the fact that the majority of DTs are still likely to be employees in the GDS or salaried practitioners. 15 A recurring theme in this study and in previous work 12,14,[17][18][19] is the role of uncertainty in preventing referral. As demonstrated here, the uncertainty can be related to knowledge of the condition, the processes for referral and the consequences of referral in the broadest sense.…”

“…In contrast to dentists, for who fear of the impact of referral on practice has been a major concern in previous studies, 12,14,17 only 2% of DTs indicated that this would be a factor. This may refl ect the fact that the majority of DTs are still likely to be employees in the GDS or salaried practitioners.…”

“…This fi nding is similar to other studies where dentists also reported fewer cases than they suspected. 12,[17][18][19] While there is evidence that training can increase awareness of child abuse, it does not appear that training alone empowers members of the dental team to act on their suspicions. 12,20 When faced with a possible case of child abuse, almost half (48%) of DTs would speak to the principle dentist or a dental colleague and 41% to a paediatric colleague, rather than social services or the police.…”

“…Fear of violence to themselves might prevent 28% of DTs from referring, and around a third of dentists have reported similar concerns. 12,17 While these fears are understandable, the welfare of the child is paramount and healthcare professionals should refer if they are in doubt.…”