PANDA stands for Prevent Abuse and Neglect through Dental Awareness. It’s the name of an educational program sponsored by the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation, Inc. PANDA trains dental office personnel, as well as teachers, school nurses, and any other groups of people who work with children on how to recognize and report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect
Reported cases of child abuse and neglect are rising at an alarming rate all over the country. Dentists, along with other health care professionals, are mandated by state law to report suspected cases of abuse and neglect. Nationally, about 65 percent of child abuse injuries involve the head, neck, or mouth areas. So dental personnel may be in a good position to note abuse of their patients.
Watch the short video above to learn more about PANDA and child abuse prevention.