Mandatory Reporting of Mouth and Oral Injuries Indicating Possible Child Abuse
143 Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) 1087 (2012)
Posted: 4 Jun 2013 Last revised: 10 Jun 2013
Date Written: 2012
Abstract
The dental professional may see pediatric patients who present with signs of intraoral trauma, perioral trauma, or both. Evaluation should include the possibility of nonaccidental, deliberately inflicted abuse. Reporting such injuries is mandated by law in all 50 states, and the various dental codes of ethics require such reporting as well. The legal system protects reporting dental professionals from civil retribution. Dental professionals must learn to recognize such signs of abuse and then to report such abuse to state child protection authorities.
Keywords: child abuse, child neglect, mandatory reporting of child abuse, ethics
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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