Each year there are more than 3 million reports of suspected child abuse filed in the United States, and many more go unreported.
In New Jersey, 48,000 children are under state supervision because of threats to their safety and welfare.
- Delta Dental of New Jersey’s PANDA program -Prevent Abuse and Neglect Through Dental Awareness is taking active steps to address this frightening statistic.
- PANDA was originally started by Delta Dental in Missouri to help break the cycle of child abuse through education of the dental community.
- Since 65% of injuries occur to the head, neck or mouth areas. There is a great correlation between dentistry and child abuse prevention.
- Dentists and other professionals working with children are in an opportune position to identify signs of child abuse.
- Studies show that those trained in child abuse prevention are more likely to report suspected child abuse, and that reporting them can in fact save lives.
One example shared is from a dental surgeon who treated an accident case of a boy who had supposedly fallen off his bicycle. His staff mentioned to the surgeon that they didn’t believe the mother’s story, but the surgeon dismissed the staff’s comments initially. Later, when the dental surgeon was further educated on the signs of abuse through participating in the PANDA program, he reviewed the boy’s case and realized the injuries did not match the parents explanation of the incident. At that time he decided to refer the case to the child protective services.
In some cases, the injuries are not visible. This story occured when a mother brought her 11 year old foster child, a young female patient, in for a treatment, and the girl suddenly became hysterical for no apparent reason. The male dentist immediately suspected sexual abuse, so he advised the foster parent in private of his concerns, referred her to a female pediatric dentist and also to social services for counseling. Sadly, his suspicions were in fact confirmed at a later date. If this dentist had forced this girl to accept the dental exam at that time he could have caused further trauma to her. In time and with proper treatment and attention, this girl was actually able to return to the original dentist’s office for treatment without fear.
Signs of Neglect in Children
- lice
- lack of bathing/proper hygiene
- badly decayed teeth
When they are under stress, parents and caregivers do not always realize that their form of discipline or neglect is dangerous.
Step #1 in prevention of child abuse is realizing when to alert child protective services that there may be an issue.
Parents and caregivers must be properly educated to help stop this horrifying cycle of abuse.
If you suspect possible neglect or child abuse, you can call 1-877-NJ-ABUSE to anonymously report a possible case. In NJ, anyone who reports suspected child abuse in good faith is immune from prosecution, and can potentially save a child’s life.
Dental professionals, nurses, teachers and social workers interested to learn more about signs of abuse and neglect can call 973-285-4000 to schedule a free PANDA presentation for a minimum of 10 attendees. This presentation is offered at no cost, at your chosen location.
PANDA is funded by the Delta Dental of NJ foundation. Working together we can prevent child abuse and keep children smiling!
- Facebook.com/deltadentalnj
- YouTube.com/DeltaDentalofNJ
- Twitter: @deltadentalNJ
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/delta-dental-of-nj
- NJ.com/helpinghands/deltadental
