Modern day slavery and the responsibility of the dental team

Abstract

This article introduces dental care professionals (DCPs) to the poorly understood notion of modern day slavery and what this may entail. Recent data from the government indicate that the number of modern day slaves in the UK is increasing. Therefore, there is a high likelihood that we come across such individuals on a more frequent basis than we think. As dentists, we are in the unique position to identify and intervene appropriately when suspecting an individual of being a modern day slave. This article discusses how to recognise a modern day slave and how best to refer them to onward services and provide support. We need to collaborate with other healthcare professionals through identification and appropriate referral of these patients, with the ultimate aim of eliminating modern day slavery in the UK.