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Types of abuse

Abuse can take many forms, and recognising the different types is essential for effective safeguarding. This advice outlines the main categories of abuse affecting both children and adults, helping dental teams identify concerns and respond appropriately.

Overview

This advice page outlines the different types of abuse that may be witnessed, suspected, or disclosed within a dental setting. Dental teams are in a unique position to identify signs of abuse, whether through clinical observations, patient behaviour, or missed appointments. Understanding these categories helps ensure appropriate safeguarding responses for both children and adults at risk.

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Related advice

Safeguarding in dental practices

This advice page provides a general outline of safeguarding in dental practices.

Safeguarding adults

Safeguarding adults involves protecting individuals who may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation due to age, disability, or other vulnerabilities.

Safeguarding children

Safeguarding children means protecting them from harm, abuse, and neglect, and promoting their wellbeing in all environments. Everyone working with or around children has a duty to recognise concerns and take appropriate action to keep them safe.

Decision making, mental capacity and competency

This advice page outlines how dental practices should support patients in making informed decisions, assess mental capacity, and understand legal safeguards when liberty or autonomy may be restricted.

Consent

This advice will help you to meet your requirements for obtaining consent from your patients prior to providing their dental care and treatment.