“All children deserve to be protected,” says ODA President

MEDIA RELEASE
October 2, 2008

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Toronto, ON – The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) is supporting the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) Child Abuse Prevention Campaign this October and letting everyone know that the health and safety of all children is an issue that dentists take very seriously.

“All children deserve to be protected,” said ODA President Dr. Larry Levin. “As dentists we have an important role to play - not just as oral health-care providers but as guardians to these kids. If we suspect that a child has suffered and is in need of help, it is our responsibility and our obligation to report it right away. Children should always feel safe, and we are going to do our very best to ensure that all kids have a life free of abuse.”

Child abuse and neglect occurs in families of all backgrounds and income levels. Signals for recognizing abuse could include but are not limited to:

Physical	Behavioural
Fractured teeth	Extremely fearful or compliant, agitated, wary of adults, may cringe or flinch if touched
Missing teeth in unexpected areas	Overly quiet, passive, withdrawn, vacant stare
Trauma in which the explanation does not fit the injury	Aggressive or eager to please, extreme attention seeking
Jaw and facial fractures	Unkempt or dirty appearance, too neat or clean, too well-mannered
Burns, scars inside the mouth	Diminished self-esteem
Ears and nose damage	Depression
Bruises or other injuries in various stages of health to the face, neck	Unusual delay or avoidance of appointments

The Child and Family Services Act (CFSA) requires that all persons (especially those who provide professional services such as dentists) report promptly to the local Children’s Aid Society (CAS) when they have reasonable grounds to suspect one of the situations detailed in Section 72 (1) of the Act. When reporting they must also provide the information upon which their suspicion is based.

“We as dentists use our best judgment every single day to ensure that kids stay safe,” said Dr. Levin.
“We take this responsibility very seriously and will continue to do everything we can to ensure that children in our care are protected.”


For More Information
Bonnie Dean
Public Affairs & Communications
Ontario Dental Association
Tel: 416-922-3900, ext. 3305
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OR

Kari Cuss
Public Affairs & Communications
Ontario Dental Association
Tel: 416.355.2278 (p)
Tel: 647.294.7613 (c)
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