April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, an important time to remember that everyone has a role to play in keeping communities safe for kids to grow and thrive. Oral health professionals are in a unique position to recognize and report signs of abuse and neglect as it is estimated that nearly 50% of injuries occur on the head and neck. During April, KOHC continues our work with Delta Dental of Kentucky and the Face It Movement to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month and the important role oral health professionals play in keeping kids safe.

Over the past two years, KOHC has hosted Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma trainings for oral health professionals to equip these health professionals with the tools they need to recognize and report the signs of child abuse. In addition, we have developed a toolkit to provide additional resources for health professionals to feel confident when talking to patients, caregivers, and their staff members about this important topic. You can check out a recent podcast episode featuring Dr. Christina Howard, a University of Kentucky Child Abuse Pediatrician, to learn more about how you can play a role in ending child maltreatment.

All Kentuckians are mandated reporters. If you believe a child is being abused or neglected, call the Child Protection Hotline at 1-877-KYSAFE1 or 1-877-597-2331.

Throughout the month, Face It has been hosting a series of events and trainings, sharing free resources for parents, caregivers, community members, and professionals, promoting child safety tips and family engagement ideas, and more! There’s still time to get involved in Child Abuse Prevention Month. Check out a detailed list of all the events throughout the month of April.

We all have a role to play in keeping kids safe in our communities – join KOHC in recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month throughout the entire month of April!