Almost
three million children are reported as being abused or neglected
each year in this country (NCCAN, 1992). By state law, dentists
in every state are required to report suspected cases of child
abuse and neglect to authorities. However, dentists make less
than one percent of the reports (Mouden, 1994). This conflicts
with data showing that 65- 75% of cases of physical abuse
involve injury to the head, neck and mouth (Becker, 1978;
da Fonesca, 1992).
The coalition was founded in Missouri, and developed by Delta
Dental of Missouri as the corporate sponsor. The P.A.N.D.A.
educational programs have proven that education can dramatically
improve dentists' response toward preventing child maltreatment.
Based on these results, the Missouri Dental Association, on
behalf of the members of the P.A.N.D.A. coalition, accepted
the 1993 ADA Golden Apple Award for the premier dental health
promotion in the country.
You have a chance to help spread the news about P.A.N.D.A.
and to help prevent abuse and neglect. Please take a moment
to see how you can become involved in a P.A.N.D.A. coalition
in your state. Help dentistry make a difference in a child's
life.
Educational Programs
The P.A.N.D.A.
Coalition offers a variety of educational opportunities aimed
at providing information on the prevention of abuse and neglect.
Although originally designed for dental audiences, the presentations
can be tailored for a variety of groups, from lay persons to
those with considerable background in health care or family
violence.
The presentations focus on the role everyone has in decreasing
the incidence of child abuse and neglect. Many people find family
violence a difficult problem to confront. However, P.A.N.D.A.
seminars will help them realize that their involvement in recognizing
and reporting child abuse and neglect cannot only save a child
from further abuse, it may save a child's life.
The presentations include specific clinical aspects of child
abuse and neglect recognizable in specific settings. State specific
statutory and liability aspects are also addressed. Individual
state laws relating to child abuse reporting are discussed,
and health professionals are given guidelines to prevent exposure
to liability. The seminars also cover preventing domestic violence
and elder abuse and neglect.
While portions of the presentation may be uncomfortable for
some individuals to view, the lecture is given in a positive
light. The outcome is an increased awareness of the positive
steps all citizens can take to stop abuse and neglect. The various
presentations are suitable for all dentists, dental hygienists,
dental assistants, physicians, nurses, day care workers, teachers
and anyone who works with, or cares about, children.
Potential Coalition Members
- Approved
corporate sponsor
- Dental
association
- Department
of health
- Department
of social services
- Dental
hygienists' association
- Dental
schools
- Others
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For
more information, contact:
Lynn Douglas Mouden, DDS, MPH
4815 W. Markham Street, Slot 41
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
501-661-2595; FAX 501-661-2055
e-mail: Lmouden@healthyarkansas.com
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