Protecting vulnerable groups

Aim

To identify what vulnerable groups are and the categories of abuse relevant to them.

Objectives

This article relates to GDC development outcome A

The whole dental team has child protection responsibilities and, although dentists are part of this workforce, research indicates they don’t feel prepared for this role (Welbury et al., 2003). Dental nurses are GDC dental care professionals and are bound by the same professional standards as the dentists.

‘Vulnerable groups’ is an umbrella term that covers children and vulnerable adults. According to the Care Act (2014:2) a vulnerable adult is: 'An adult at risk is any person who is aged 18 years or over and at risk of abuse or neglect because of their needs for care and/or support.'