Level 1 Safeguarding for Dentists

Level 1 Safeguarding for Dentists introduces how to recognise, respond to, report and record concerns about children and adults at risk. It covers core safeguarding duties and guidance, with examples relevant to dental practice and regional information for all four UK nations.

Start with the course aims, how to move through the lessons and how to pause and resume your learning. This section also explains accessibility options and where to enter your GDC number for the certificate.

Understand what safeguarding means for children and adults at risk, who is responsible and how safeguarding differs from child or adult protection. Review the key legislation and guidance that underpin safeguarding practice across the UK.

Explore how abuse can occur and what dental practices can do to create safer environments. The lesson covers practical policies, professional boundaries and a person-centred approach, including how to protect your own wellbeing when responding to concerns.

Learn to recognise indicators of abuse and neglect in children and adults at risk, including signs a dental team may notice. The lesson explains different forms of harm and helps you judge when observations or disclosures should raise a safeguarding concern.

Understand how someone may disclose abuse and why they may find it difficult to speak up. Practise responding calmly, listening without judgement and passing on the concern without attempting to investigate it yourself.

Learn when and to whom safeguarding concerns should be reported, and how to make a clear, factual record. The lesson covers appropriate information sharing and practical recording tools, including a body map.

Apply the course principles to dental scenarios involving children and adults at risk. These practice activities help you decide how to recognise, respond to, report and record a concern; they do not count towards the final assessment.

Complete the final assessment using questions about safeguarding children and adults, including practical scenarios. You need 80% to pass, can retry if needed and will be emailed your certificate after passing. If you entered your GDC number, it is included on the certificate.

Download a body map template and written summaries of the course lessons for future reference. This section also directs you to further course information and references.

Complete a short evaluation of your learning experience and the course's relevance to your role. Your feedback helps improve the training for future learners.