Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is the purpose of making a report of suspected child abuse or neglect?

1. To notify the child’s guardians about potential risks

2. To prompt an investigation by the authorities

3. To file a legal case against the alleged perpetrator

4. To keep a record of incidents at schools

The correct answer is: To prompt an investigation by the authorities

The purpose of making a report of suspected child abuse or neglect is to prompt an investigation by the authorities. When a healthcare professional, such as a dental hygienist, suspects that a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect, they are required by law to report these suspicions to the appropriate child protective services or law enforcement agencies. This reporting is crucial as it initiates a formal investigation to determine the child's well-being and safety. Investigations are conducted by trained professionals who can assess the situation, provide necessary interventions, and ensure the child receives appropriate support. This process is designed to protect vulnerable children from potential harm and ensure that they are placed in safe environments. While notifying guardians about potential risks or keeping a record of incidents may have their own merits, these actions do not fulfill the legal and ethical obligations tied to reporting suspected abuse or neglect, which is fundamentally about the protection and welfare of the child through official channels. Similarly, filing a legal case against an alleged perpetrator is a subsequent step that can occur after an investigation, rather than the immediate purpose of reporting suspected abuse. Thus, the emphasis is on the triggering of investigations to safeguard children's welfare.