Course Overview
This Level 1 safeguarding course is designed for non-clinical dental staff and team members with indirect patient contact. It provides essential awareness of safeguarding responsibilities, including recognising signs of abuse or neglect, understanding reporting procedures, and meeting UK safeguarding and professional requirements.
Course Aims
- To ensure all dental staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities for children and adults at risk.
- To build confidence in recognising signs of abuse and knowing when and how to act.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
- Define safeguarding and understand why it is essential in dental practice.
- Identify the categories of abuse for children and adults, including FGM.
- Recognise the physical, oral, and behavioural indicators of abuse and neglect.
- Understand the “Four Rs” approach: Recognise, Respond, Report, Record.
- Follow appropriate information sharing procedures, including when consent is not required.
- Understand mental capacity, Gillick competence, and best interests in safeguarding.
- Apply knowledge of relevant UK legislation and GDC standards to safeguarding practice.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, learners will be able to:
- Describe the legal and professional safeguarding duties for dental professionals.
- Recognise potential signs of abuse or neglect in patients of all ages.
- Take appropriate action when a safeguarding concern is identified.
- Report and document safeguarding concerns accurately and in line with local policy.
- Apply “need to know” and “proportionate sharing” principles when handling safeguarding information.
GDC Development Outcomes:
A, B, D
Review Date:
January 2027
