Dentists have to take 20 credits of Continuing Education to be able to renew our license to practice.
A 3-day seminar scores 6 CEUnits, 2 CEU per day served. 16 CEUs were our free choices but 4 CEUs had to come from courses in Domestic Violence/Child Abuse and Aids Research. Think about that a DV course every year. How much does DV change each year? See that's how important the powers that be, want designated reportership pounded into our brains. We get manuals and a sticker to go on every phone in the office; that's the # to call to notify the experts.
I reported one case in 35 years. She presented in my office with 2 grossly chipped central incisors, along with an awful black eye and an abrasion on her temple. When I asked how this happened, she was mum, but I could tell by her dropped gaze. I lied that I had to medicate the nearly exposed nerves for 5 days before I could restore the broken teeth, (I lied.) I also told her I needed to photograph the teeth to preconstruct the bond replacements. Took 2 photos. Got the teeth and the eye & temple. Poloroid makes a very large professional's instant camera.
Once she left I phoned the experts, filled them in, gave the victim's address & phone #. Together we decided that they would be at my office when she comes for restorations, so her abusive partner wouldn't know. The meeting with her worked well since she went with them to a protective shelter. If the experts had just come for the photo evidence, I was going to make them sign for them and give me the case # and a promise to inform me that action was taken. It's unfinished business that I'd have to know a good outcome not to wonder & worry.
All faculty at any public school take seminars as designated reporters. More and more State legislators are making this law = legal liabilities.
