For years the phrase on the appointment book was "DNA" — did not attend. For children, safeguarding guidance now prefers "was not brought", because a child does not choose to miss a dental appointment; an adult chooses not to bring them.
Why it matters
Untreated dental disease causes pain, infection, missed school and poor nutrition. Repeated missed appointments alongside visible decay, poor hygiene or a parent who seems unconcerned can be an indicator of neglect. Dental teams see children regularly and are well placed to notice.
What a practice should have in place
A was-not-brought policy that sets out what happens after one, two and three missed appointments — contact, letter, and consideration of a safeguarding referral. A named safeguarding lead. Level 2 safeguarding training for the whole team, including reception, because reception staff are usually the ones who notice the pattern.
The receptionist's role
Flag the pattern, record it factually, and raise it with the safeguarding lead. You are not making a judgement about the family; you are following the practice policy so that a clinician can.
Learn more
Our Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults course covers dental neglect, was-not-brought policies and referral pathways in detail, and counts towards GDC recommended CPD.
