Policy on Recognition and Management of Child Abuse and Neglect in a Dental Setting

Policy statement

The AAPD acknowledges the importance of recognizing and responding to signs of child maltreatment when they present in the dental setting. To better train oral health professionals to respond to cases of suspected abuse or neglect, the AAPD encourages

• identification of families at-risk for CAN and referral to counselors, physicians, and social services when needed.
• pediatric dentists to be familiar with a child abuse team available to consult and call them for guidance if there is an examination finding in question.
• required predoctoral, postgraduate, and continuing education on CAN by oral health professionals.
• implementation of office-based protocols and staff training on the reporting, documentation, and communication surrounding cases of CAN.
• preservation of laws that include oral health professionals as mandated reporters of CAN.

The AAPD also joins the American Academy of Pediatrics’ call for collaboration⁷ among pediatricians, oral health professionals, and other physicians to increase prevention, detection, and treatment of oral and dental aspects of abuse and neglect in children. Furthermore, the AAPD encourages public awareness campaigns on child abuse and neglect as well as awareness of child exploitation and other violent crimes against children in order to promote child safety.