DISCLAIMER The views and opinions of contributors are not necessarily those of the BDPMA, who cannot accept responsibility for advice given by such contributors.

Q Child Protection Policy

Can you help me with how I determine a child protection policy for our practice?

A I will try to highlight the two main areas for you and advise you who to contact for the latest up to date information as the legislation changed on 1st April 2006.

Firstly there is child abuse.   A practice should have procedures in place to recognise children who may be abused and practitioners have an obligation to report evidence of child abuse - such as suspected non-accidental injuries (NAI).   Child abuse is not always physical; it can be emotional, mental or sexual.

Secondly there is consent. The usual areas of concern are informed consent, age at which consent can be given by the child and parental responsibility.   Any child can refuse consent to treatment and the person deemed to have responsibility can only override the child's wishes in exceptional circumstances.   Children who are looked after may have a guardian appointed by the court and there may be a social worker, caseworker or foster parent involved.   It is essential that valid consent is obtained before any treatment is provided to avoid any accusations of assault by the dentist.

The main points of contact should be the BDA if you are a member, your dental protection organisation and your local PCT.

If yours is an NHS practice the PCT will, as part of the dental contract, have clear requirements for practices to complete with child protection policies and will provide a policy document.   This is a major part of clinical governance.

If you are a private practice you should still contact the PCT who will advise you of the person from whom further advice can be sought and this could be the designated nurse for safe-guarding children, or the lead paediatrician responsible for child protection.   Training courses are run by PCTs and some postgraduate deaneries.

For other useful advice you could contact the local community dental trust lead paediatric dental officer who will be familiar with and have a Trust policy on child protection.

Finally you could approach the Local Dental Committee or local practitioners for advice.