Establishing comprehensive oral assessments for children with safeguarding concerns

Abstract

The dental profession is well placed to contribute important information in child protection cases but no previous research has been reported that assesses the volume or impact of this information. Comprehensive oral assessment clinics were introduced and established as an integral part of comprehensive medical assessments for children with welfare concerns in Greater Glasgow and Clyde. An assessment protocol and standardised paperwork for comprehensive oral assessments were developed to enhance information sharing and patient access to appropriate care. Two cases are presented and discussed to demonstrate the value of dental input.

The “Neglected” Relationship Between Child Maltreatment and Oral Health? An International Scoping Review of Research

“…It is therefore incumbent on dentists to make careful, considered assessments about the causes and context of dental neglect and to draw on inter-professional support and evidence in so doing. Exploring the views and priorities of parents and children is also a valuable exercise in making realistic and sensitive treatment plans (Park, Welbury, Herbison & Cairns, 2015).…”

The dark side of Paediatric dentistry: Child abuse

“…As a result, a dentist might be the first healthcare professional that examines the victim of child abuse. Unfortunately, a high percentage of dentists [between 60-80%] state that they possess limited information on the topic and appear to lack the appropriate training to detect it [5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Consequently, it is essential for dentist to acquire the knowledge to detect lesions and diseases that could be a consequence of abuse.…”

The mouth and maltreatment: safeguarding issues in child dental health

“…It is anticipated that this would both increase detection of abusive oral injuries and also alert paediatricians to oral diseases and developmental conditions that might be mistaken for maltreatment. In Glasgow since 2009 oral assessments by a dentist have been successfully integrated into comprehensive medical assessment pathways for children with varied safeguarding concerns, mainly neglect 67. This generates a standardised dental appendix to the paediatrician’s medical report for a child protection case conference, including an oral care plan and targets agreed with parents.…”

“…This generates a standardised dental appendix to the paediatrician’s medical report for a child protection case conference, including an oral care plan and targets agreed with parents. Case examples illustrated the potential benefits of this innovation 67. Long-term evaluation, particularly if reporting additional diagnostic yield and improved outcomes for children, could provide compelling evidence for wider adoption of this practice.…”