Citation

Harris JC, Elcock C, Sidebotham PD, Welbury RR. Br. Dent. J. 2009; 206(9): 465-470.

Affiliation

Sheffield Salaried Primary Dental Care Service, Firth Park Clinic, North Quadrant, Sheffield, S5 6NU. jenny.harris@nhs.net

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, British Dental Association)

DOI

10.1038/sj.bdj.2009.356

PMID

19424243

Abstract

In this second part of a two-part report, further findings of a postal questionnaire sent in March 2005 to dentists with an interest in paediatric dentistry working in varied UK settings are presented and discussed in the context of current multi-agency good practice in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Using insights gained from a survey of self-reported management of children with neglected dentitions, this paper explores whether paediatric dentists neglect child dental neglect. The authors conclude that current practice already includes much that contributes to promoting children's oral health and wellbeing. However, in a society where children continue to suffer as a result of abuse and neglect, they warn that improvements are needed in communication between dentists and other health and social care professionals if children's welfare is to be safeguarded and promoted effectively and future tragedies avoided.

Language: en