Uncovering Cases of Suspected Abuse or Dental Neglect
When your evaluation of a patient reveals what you suspect are signs of child abuse and/or dental neglect, determining your next step can be difficult. All dental providers are required by law to report suspected cases of child abuse or dental neglect to the appropriate authorities.
Dental neglect is the result of the "willful failure of [the] parent or guardian to seek and follow through with treatment necessary to ensure a level of oral health essential for adequate function and freedom from pain and infection," according to the AAPD. It is important to remember that the failure to ...