The P.A.N.D.A.® Program

P.A.N.D.A. is an acronym for Prevent Abuse and Neglect through Dental Awareness. It is the name of an educational program sponsored by Delta Dental Plan of Kansas. P.A.N.D.A. is supported by a coalition of public and private organizations and is aimed at helping dental office personnel recognize and report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect.

State law mandates dentists and dental hygienists, along with other health care professionals, to report suspected cases of abuse and neglect. Nationally, up to 65% of child abuse injuries involve the head, face, neck, and mouth areas, which are routinely observed by dental professionals.

Studies have indicated that dentists are nearly five times as likely to report suspected abuse if they receive education in this area. The P.A.N.D.A. program addresses these issues so that dental personnel will have the information they need in suspected cases of child abuse and neglect.

P.A.N.D.A.'s educational program

The P.A.N.D.A. program includes a 30-minute video or a slide presentation and printed materials. Representatives from the P.A.N.D.A. Coalition have formed a speaker's bureau to take the program to their respective audiences, and a P.A.N.D.A. presentation qualifies hour for hour for continuing education credits for dentists and hygienists.

How to get more information on P.A.N.D.A. and schedule a presentation?

The P.A.N.D.A. Coalition has members who are willing to present the program free of charge to dental or other interested groups with 10 or more members. For more information or to schedule a presentation in Kansas, please call 316-264-1099 or toll free 1-800-733-5823 or e-mail pr@deltadentalks.com.

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