General dental practitioners' perception of their role within child protection: a qualitative study.
OBJECTIVE
This was to assess general dental practitioners' knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding their role within child protection in relation to child abuse.


METHODS
Structured interviews with seven key informants from general dental practice (2), local dental committees (1), social services (2), paediatric dentistry (1) and community child health (1), together with five focus groups comprising 23 general dental practitioners (GDPs) on Health Authority Lists in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland (UK).


RESULTS
GDPs reported feelings of isolation with little communication with other health professionals or local authority services. The majority had scarcely considered child protection issues in their clinical practice although those qualified for less than 15 years were more aware. GDPs acknowledged a lack of awareness of signs and symptoms of physical abuse and even less confidence in dealing with emotional or sexual abuse. Dentists expressed concern, even fear, about the outcomes of reporting suspicions, and had little knowledge of the local Child Protection mechanisms.


CONCLUSIONS
GDPs in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland feel unprepared to undertake a role in the child protection process with confidence. National and local initiatives may be required to address existing barriers.
Welbury
R R
RR
Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, University of Glasgow.
MacAskill
S G
SG
Murphy
J M
JM
Evans
D J
DJ
Weightman
K E
KE
Jackson
M C
MC
Crawford
M A
MA
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control; D002651:Child Advocacy; D002669:Child Welfare; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists'; D012934:Social Isolation; D012941:Social Responsibility; D012947:Social Work; D006113:United Kingdom