Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporting Educational Requirements for Dental Licensure Across the United States

Purpose: To understand mandatory educational requirements for child abuse and neglect (CAN) recognition and mandated reporting for dentists to obtain and renew dental licensure in the United States (US).Methods: Publicly available state websites, dental board documents and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's website outlining requirements for dental licensure in the US were reviewed for specifically designated mandated reporting or CAN educational requirements as prerequisites to obtain either initial or renewal of licensure to practice dentistry within the jurisdiction. For inclusion in the study, CAN education had to be listed as a requirement specific to obtaining and renewing dental licensure, not just a general mandated reporting education suggested or required by the state.Results: Four of 50 states (Illinois, Iowa, New York and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia require a mandatory educational course on CAN and reporting to obtain a dental license. Four states (Illinois, Iowa, Maryland and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia require a mandatory educational course on CAN to renew a license.Conclusions: This study suggests that more US states should implement a requirement for dental professionals to take a mandatory educational course on CAN recognition and reporting to obtain and renew dental licensure. This education should be specific to dentistry and dental practice settings to best prepare professionals to report suspected abuse and/or neglect.