Dental neglect in children: definition, legal aspects, and challenges.

This article presents a current definition of dental neglect. Identification, a case history, and legal aspects of such negligence are reviewed. A survey of state laws reveals that only Wisconsin and New York include dental care in their neglect statutes. Finally, future challenges for the dental profession are outlined. T h e problem of dental neglect is ubiquitous; yet, only recently has been defined apart from the broader category of child abuse and neglect. Consequently, the recognition and report of dental neglect by professionals has been difficult. Though a variety of definitions has emerged, a comprehensive view of the concept remains Domoto, in his revision of Hally’s model of child neglect, stressed the multi-dimensional nature of dental neglect and the need for addressing its different aspects.2 Community standards for health care, for instance, derive from a combination of economic, political, and cultural values. These variables, as well as norms of child rearing, influence society’s definition of neglect. Our society’s response to child abuse is clear. All 50 states have statutes, supported by penalties against noncompliance, requiring dentists to report suspected abuse and neglect. Nonetheless, few states recognize dental neglect as part of general neglect.