Legal issues affecting dentistry's role in preventing child abuse and neglect

Article Abstract:

Dentists have an ethical and legal responsibility to identify and report suspected cases of child maltreatment. Although most physical abuse inflicted on children affects the head, neck, or mouth, dentists have a poor record of reporting possible abuse. All 50 states have child abuse reporting laws that have different definitions of abuse and neglect and various reporting procedures. Dentists are designated as mandatory reporters in every state and most states assess penalities for failing to report suspected abuse cases. People who report suspected child abuse in good faith are protected from legal liability even if an investigation yields no evidence of abuse. Most state laws relax the doctor-patient confidentiality requirements for suspected child abuse cases. The American Dental Association's Principles of Ethics state that dentists must recognize the oral manifestations of child abuse and report suspected cases as required by law.

Laws, regulations and rules, Child abuse, Dentists, Child abuse reporting

---

Careers in dentistry

Article Abstract:

A career in dentistry as a dental assistant, which is a challenging and rewarding job is discussed. The responsibilities of dental assistant before, during and after dental treatment, the salary, and work schedule and all necessary information are presented.

Evaluation, Dentistry, Career opportunity, Career opportunities

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Forensic dentistry. Direct reimbursement: the future for organized dentistry
• Abstracts: Tuberculosis: a growing concern for dentistry? Titanium applications in dentistry
• Abstracts: Who is to decide: functional disability screening as an example. Screening for vitamin B12 deficiency: caveat emptor
• Abstracts: Advising parents to stop smoking: opportunities and barriers in pediatric practice. Cholesterol: myth vs reality in pediatric practice

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.