Dr. Angela Stout Lunch and Learn (Child Abuse)
- Name of sponsoring organization – Alpha Omega
- Details of the activity (e.g., where, when) – 2/18 in Lecture Hall A/B
- What you learned – I learned about who perpetrators and victims of child abuse are, signs and symptoms to look out for and how to report child abuse. Dr. Stout showed many pictures and provided examples and anecdotes to the group, which helped to portray the severity of child abuse. This was a super important topic for our profession (and for any adults who are working with children) because WE may be the ones that can stop the cycle of abuse for a child. I also learned that in PA, everyone is required to have the child abuse/criminal background check if working with children at all, which is why we completed one at the beginning of dental school. Finally, I learned that even if you “report” something, it does NOT mean the child will be taken from their home. Dr. Stout explained that families will be evaluated and may just need intervention or possible therapy to change their behaviors.
- How the activity relates to coursework or your career goals – This will related to my career in many ways. As a dentist, I am a mandated reporter of child abuse and I must be aware of the signs and symptoms and know how to take action. I definitely want to be able to protect and help my pediatric patients (or any patients) if needed.