Child protection: training and experiences of dental therapists.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify the training in, experience of and barriers to reporting child abuse among dental therapists in the UK. DESIGN: Postal survey. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A postal questionnaire was sent to all practising dental therapists (DTs) in the UK registered with the GDC (n = 851) in October-December 2007. RESULTS: A response rate of 49% (n = 420) was achieved; 24 (5.7%) questionnaires were incomplete and excluded. One hundred and ninety-three respondents (48.7%) had qualified in the last 10 years. One hundred and forty-seven (37.1%) recalled undergraduate training; 248 (62.6%) had received training since qualifying; 66 (16.6%) recalled no child protection training. Overall child abuse had been suspected by 135 (34%) DTs, while 72 (18%) had suspected but not referred the case. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of dental therapists (83%, n = 330) have received training in child protection. Overall, 34% (n = 135) have suspected child abuse and 83% (n = 112) of these DTs recorded their suspicions in the patient record. In line with current guidance, most DTs would discuss a case with another dentist.

Author information

Author/s: Chadwick, Barbara L (BL); Davies, J (J); Bhatia, S K (SK); Rooney, C (C); McCusker, N (N);

Affiliation: Paediatric Dentistry Unit, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XY. chadwickbl(-atsign-)cardiff.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: British dental journal (Br Dent J), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Aug; vol 207 (issue 3) : pp E6; discussion 130-1

Dates: Created 2009/08/07; Completed 2009/10/29;

PMID: 19629144, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 10/29/2009)

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