Safeguarding LGBT+ adolescents

Considerations in the management of trans patients

“…These include self-harm, suicide, problems at home or school and the potential for bullying. 3 There is limited dental literature on the management of trans patients; therefore, we hope the listed recommendations will aid clinicians when providing care in their areas. There are a wide range of trans support services in the UK (Table 1), some of which can provide staff training.…”

“…Additionally, there has been an increase in the paediatric population, with referrals to the paediatric Gender Identity Development Service in the UK increasing from 697 in 2014/2015 to 2728 in 2019/2020. 3,4 It has been reported that trans individuals can experience greater levels of dental fear and increased barriers when accessing healthcare services. In the United States, the National Transgender Discrimination Survey highlighted several factors which impact on trans patients' experience of healthcare services.…”

“…8 Increasingly, these patients may also be the target of bullying, with 40% of LGBT+ pupils reporting homophobic, biphobic or transphobic cyberbullying. 3 There are a number of wider factors to consider in the holistic management of trans patients. Trans people report higher rates of mental health issues, disability or being neurodiverse.…”

Medical students need better training on the needs of LGBT+ patients

“…Salkind and colleagues discuss the very real consequences of underserving LGBT+ patients and say that pragmatic approaches may better meet the needs of this population 1. But education about inclusion needs to start at medical school to incorporate inclusive thinking from the beginning of shaping new doctors.…”

Understanding communities is essential for good care

“…Salkind and colleagues raise several important points about safeguarding LGBT+ adolescents 1. The memorandum of understanding on conversion therapy in the United Kingdom2 is a multidisciplinary and unequivocal rejection of this damaging practice.…”