Continuing Education
Baltimore City Dental Society offers professional development and continuing education programs for its members and the surrounding dental community.
November 11, 2026
Virtual
Abuse Regulations for the Dental Team in the Era of COVID-19
Christine Wisnom
2 CE Credits | Nov 11 | 6:30p.m. | Virtual
Meetings are FREE for all active and lifetime members.
*Non-members $75; Staff and dental hygienists $45
Topic:
Speaker:
Course Description:
Learning Objectives:
About the Speaker:
Abuse Regulations for the Dental Team in the Era of COVID-19
Christine Wisnom
The program reviews: The Maryland regulations regarding abuse and neglect. The dramatic increase in the use of alcohol and drugs, resulting in escalating cases of abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. The signs, symptoms and oral manifestations of domestic abuse; as well as the timeframe, hotlines and required reporting forms are presented. Screening questions are provided to enable practitioners to evaluate clients suspected or identified as suffering from abuse. This situation reinforces our legal and ethical responsibilities to our patients, to remain vigilant, and report suspected or identified cases of abuse and neglect.
*The first hour will cover: Forms of abuse and neglect, physical, emotional, sexual,
verbal and financial exploitation. Childhood, elder and intimate partner violence (IPV)
and Human Trafficking. The Maryland laws and regulations for Abuse and Neglect and
the American Dental Associations’ Code of Ethics regarding cases of abuse and/or
neglect. And, the risk factors for abuse and neglect. The impact of COVID-19, isolation,
quarantine, social distancing. Stress resulting from the fear of infection and death. The
increased use of drugs, alcohol, weapons resulting in escalating rates of abuse. Fear and
stress from loss of employment, food and shelter, impacting the vulnerable population.
*The second hour will cover: Examination for general and oral signs and symptoms of
abuse and neglect. Evidence collection, including multiple techniques. Questionnaires for conducting interviews and examinations. Hotlines for immediate reporting to Law
Enforcement, or the Department of Social Services.
Following the program, the attendees will:
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Comprehend the Ethical and Legal guidelines for reporting abuse and neglect
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Understand the impact of COVID-19 on the escalating cases of abuse
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Incorporate the resources provided into their Standard of Care
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Increase their vigilance and reporting for suspected or identified cases of abuse and neglect
Christine Wisnom served as faculty member in the Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, as a Speaker and Site Administrator for the Mid-Atlantic AIDS Education and Training Center. She is a private Infection Control Consultant with 25 years of experience, providing training and compliance analysis on a variety of regulatory topics including: The CDC Guidelines, OSHA, HIPAA, Ethics and Abuse regulations. She has published numerous articles and abstracts in Dental and Nursing Journals; is an Honorary Member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Phi Chapter, Honor Dental Society, and is an Academy of General Dentistry approved speaker.
Location:
Virtual
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