OSCE Practice – Safeguarding Concern in a Child Patient
Practise professionalism, communication, and ethical decision-making aligned with NEBDN OSCE expectations.
Scenario
You are a dental nurse working in a general dental practice.
A child attends with a parent for a routine appointment. While helping prepare the surgery, you notice bruising around the child’s arm and the child appears unusually withdrawn and avoids eye contact.
The parent quickly says:
“They are always clumsy. Anyway, can we just get this appointment done?”
You are the dental nurse recognising a possible safeguarding concern and responding professionally.
Your Task
In this OSCE scenario, you are expected to recognise a possible safeguarding concern and respond professionally while remaining within your role.
You should be able to:
- Recognise possible safeguarding concerns
- Maintain professional behaviour
- Understand appropriate escalation
- Record factual observations appropriately
- Remain within scope of practice
- Follow safeguarding procedures
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This Scenario Assesses
This station tests important professionalism, ethics, and safeguarding responsibilities expected of a dental nurse, including:
- Safeguarding awareness
- Professional judgement
- Escalation procedures
- Documentation skills
- Professional responsibility
- Scope of practice awareness
This scenario also develops confidence in responding professionally to sensitive situations involving children.
Model Answer / Ideal Response
A strong response should be calm, professional, and respectful while maintaining confidentiality.
Step 1 — Recognise a Possible Concern
Be aware of:
- Unusual bruising
- Changes in behaviour
- Fearfulness or withdrawal
- Concerning interactions
Avoid making assumptions or conclusions.
Step 2 — Remain Professional
Do not:
- Confront the parent
- Accuse anyone
- Investigate independently
Continue professional care appropriately.
Step 3 — Record Factual Observations
Where appropriate, record:
- What was observed
- Behaviour noticed
- Relevant comments made
Documentation should remain:
- factual
- objective
- professional
Avoid opinions or assumptions.
Step 4 — Escalate Appropriately
Follow safeguarding procedures.
Example:
Inform the appropriate safeguarding lead, dentist, or follow practice safeguarding policy.
Safeguarding concerns should be escalated appropriately and confidentially.
Step 5 — Maintain Professional Boundaries
Remember:
- Recognise concerns
- Record observations
- Report appropriately
Dental nurses should not investigate concerns independently.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confronting the parent
- Asking leading questions
- Investigating independently
- Ignoring concerns
- Writing opinions instead of facts
- Discussing concerns inappropriately
Key Learning Points
- Safeguarding is a shared professional responsibility
- Concerns should be recognised and escalated appropriately
- Documentation should remain factual and objective
- Dental nurses should remain within scope of practice
- Professional judgement is important in sensitive situations