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This book tackles a difficult but necessary issue. I was surprised to find it is the only book presently to examine abuse from a dental perspective. The book is primarily aimed at general practice. This is an underrepresented area in dentistry however, and I suspect its appeal will be far wider. This book can be read from start to finish or it can also be used as a reference for the whole dental team. The introductory chapter defines terminology and the evolution of current legislation. This was the hardest part of the book to read. The legal framework is essential for greater understanding of the issue, but it may have been easier to read if it was from a dental perspective — on common ground with its reader. The layout for the rest of the book, in contrast, is excellent. The following three chapters are devoted in turn to different classification of abuse: child, domestic and vulnerable adults. The structure of each chapter follows a similar pattern — background, definitions, prevalence, risk factors, signs of abuse, advice for the dental team, specific legislation, further developments and reading. In particular it addresses the role of the GDP in cases of suspected abuse and the importance of appropriate multi-agency communication. There is an inevitable overlap between chapters but this serves to reinforce important issues. These chapters deliver valuable information in an easy to read manner with succinct flowcharts, diagrams and photos. There is a useful PDF file available on the publisher's website for legislation developments since publication. The book states all legislation, policy and procedures are applicable to England only. It advises GDPs outside England that principles will be similar but to contact individual Health Departments for further detail. A brief description of differing legislation pertaining to each country could perhaps be useful through the PDF file. For a fee, verifiable CPD can also be accessed through the publisher's website. The final chapter links all aspects of prevention and detection of abuse in practice. There is plenty of practical advice from recruitment of staff to guidelines in promotion of a caring environment. From diagrams for recording injuries to examples of questions to ask suspected victims of abuse, the appendices are an invaluable aspect of this book. This book effectively and concisely bridges the gap between general advice for health professionals and the dental literature focused on signs and symptoms of abuse. Overall I would recommend it as an essential part of a practice library.
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