Child abuse is any mistreatment or neglect of a child that results in harm or injury.
Dental caries, periodontal diseases and other oral conditions, that if left untreated, can lead to pain, infection and loss of function. These undesirable outcomes can adversely affect learning, communication, nutrition and other activities necessary for normal growth and development. Dental neglect is the willful failure of a parent or guardian to seek and follow through with treatment necessary to ensure a level of oral health essential for adequate function and freedom from pain and infection. P.A.N.D.A. is an acronym for Prevent Abuse and Neglect through Dental Awareness. It's the name of an educational program that is sponsored by Delta Dental Plan of Indiana.