Safeguarding becomes recommended CPD

The aim is to increase awareness about these important topics so that all dental professionals feel confident and equipped to raise any concerns about abuse or neglect of vulnerable people. 

 

The GDC's 'Standards for the Dental Team' states:

 

8.5.1

‘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.’

 

8.5.2 

‘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.’

 

The GDC already lists several ‘highly recommended’ topics as part of verifiable CPD. They are: medical emergencies, disinfection and decontamination and radiography and radiation protection (or materials and equipment for dental technicians). 

 

The GDC also lists the ‘recommended topics’ of legal and ethical issues, complaints handling, and oral cancer: improving early detection. Safeguarding children and young people and safeguarding vulnerable adults have now been added to this list. Recommended topics may be either verifiable or non-verifiable CPD.   

 

The GDC makes recommendations because regularly keeping up to date in these topics can make an important contribution to patient safety.

 

Both of these topics are available as elearning on ProDentalCPD (either as pay as you go bundles or as part of subscription).