GDC Standards
General Dental Council Standards
The General Dental Council (GDC) Standards for the Dental Team set out the responsibilities of dental team members to ensure they take action where there is concern over possible abuse or neglect of children and vulnerable adults. The standards go on to state:
- You must raise any concerns you may have about the possible abuse or neglect of children or vulnerable adults. You must know who to contact for further advice and how to refer concerns to an appropriate authority such as your local social services department.
- You must find out about local procedures for the protection of children and vulnerable adults. You must follow these procedures if you suspect that a child or vulnerable adult might be at risk because of abuse or neglect.
Not only is there a responsibility to take action but there is also a responsibility to ensure you have ascertained and followed local procedures.