British Society of Paediatric Dentistry: a policy document on dental neglect in children

Abstract

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2009This policy document was prepared by J.C. Harris, R.C. Balmer, and P.D. Sidebotham on behalf of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD). Policy documents produced by the BSPD represent a majority view, based on consideration of currently available evidence. They are produced to provide guidance with the clear intention that the policy be regularly reviewed and updated to take account of changing views and developments.

Caries recurrence after treatment under general anaesthesia for early childhood caries: a retrospective cohort study

“…Relapse after comprehensive dental treatment under GA may be considered ''dental neglect'', an issue that parents may not be aware of. Dental neglect by definition is the persistent failure to meet a child's basic oral health needs, and likely to result in serious impairment of a child's oral or general health and development (Harris et al 2009). Parents should be educated that full mouth rehabilitation under GA can fail in a short time if dietary and oral hygiene habits do not improve in the short term and sustained over the long term.…”

Establishing comprehensive oral assessments for children with safeguarding concerns

“…8,[12][13][14][15] However the literature also suggests that dentists should be involved in the recognition of neglect [16][17][18] and sexual abuse 19,20 . Neglect should be considered if parents have access to, but persistently fail to obtain treatment for their child's tooth decay.…”

“…These plans were designed to meet with the recommendations set out in the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry's policy document on Dental Neglect. 17 The benefit for the children seen at these clinics would be a holistic approach to the identification of medical and dental needs. This health information would be easily collated and interpreted to provide a comprehensive report for Child Protection Case Conferences.…”

“…The BSPD policy document 17 recommends that missed appointment policies should not be punitive. This was an opportunity missed to help this family and safeguard this child's wellbeing.…”

Why are vulnerable children not brought to their dental appointments?

“…The service agrees with the policy document that dental treatment planning should be 'realistic and achievable' . 1 Unnecessary demands should not be placed on the family to attend multiple appointments where it is avoidable nor to travel long distances for dental care when it could be provided locally, either in fixed clinics or from a mobile dental unit. 2 If dental anxiety is thought to be the underlying reason for failure to complete treatment, then an appropriate choice of anxiety management techniques is available 1 and inhalation sedation is often used.…”