April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, an important time to remember everyone has a role in preventing child abuse and neglect. In Kentucky, every adult is a mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect. Oral health professionals are in a unique position to recognize and report signs of abuse and neglect during their dental exams and procedures as it is estimated over 50% of injuries from child abuse occur on the head and neck. Knowing and recognizing the signs is the first step in helping keep kids safe.
In partnership with the Face It Movement, KOHC is continuing our work with Delta Dental of Kentucky to educate oral health professionals about their unique and important role in keeping kids safe during the month of April.
Oral health professionals can join us in keeping kids safe by reviewing the events, trainings and free resources during the month of April – including two new resources for oral health professionals:
- NEW online and downloadable toolkit for health professionals to recognize and report signs of child abuse and neglect and work with families to prevent child abuse through education and relationship building. Stay tuned for the online toolkit launching on April 7.
- Free virtual training course on Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (PAHT) for oral health professionals with Carla Hay, pediatric forensic nurse from Kentucky Children’s Hospital, on Friday, April 9th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET. Free CEUs are available for dentists and dental hygienists. Register today!
- In addition, KOHC will be offering this training course for oral health professionals again in Summer 2021 and October 2021.
Join us in recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month and the vital role oral health professionals can play in keeping kids safe!
