Abuse and Neglect in Dentistry

Introduction

Video dedicated to abuse and neglect, part of ethical principle of beneficence.
Importance of dentists being knowledgeable about identifying and reporting abuse and neglect.

Abuse: Willful infliction of pain, injury, or mental anguish. Intentional harm.
Neglect: Deprivation of essential needs from a caretaker, either intentionally or unintentionally.

Dentists can identify abuse, especially in children through visual signs in head and neck.
Common signs:
- Bruises, burns, bite marks, fractured teeth, facial fractures, red swollen eyes, multiple untreated injuries.
- Poor dress, disheveled appearance, hunger, thirst, frightened demeanor, social withdrawal, inconsistent stories from parents.
Abuse most common in children under 3 years old.

Reporting standards vary by state but child abuse must be reported in all states.
Dentists are mandated to report suspected child abuse immediately.
Not the role of dentists to investigate; report to experts.
For children:
- Suspect abuse → Report immediately via assistant or self.
For adults:
- Respect autonomy and confidentiality.
- Report only with consent.
Agencies to contact:
- Child: Social Services/Child Protective Services
- Adult: Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) or Adult Protective Services
Underreporting issues, especially with elderly; report similar to child protocol.

Write down relevant information promptly.
Include:
- Patient's name, date and time of disclosure, description of injuries.
- Patient's exact words, concerns, behaviors, witness details.
- Whether disclosure was spontaneous or prompted.

Provide necessary treatment or refer for specialized care after recognizing, reporting, and recording.