Mandated Reporting in California Dental Offices: What Dentists, Hygienists and RDAs Must Do
Who is a mandated reporter in a dental office
California Penal Code §11165.7 names health practitioners, including dentists and dental hygienists, and anyone licensed under Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, which includes RDAs. Front desk staff aren’t named, but anyone may report, and they’re often the first to notice something.
What and how fast
| Type of abuse | Report by phone | Written report |
|---|---|---|
| Child abuse or neglect | Immediately or as soon as practicably possible | Within 36 hours |
| Elder or dependent adult abuse | Right away | Within two working days |
Child abuse reports go to the county child welfare agency or local police. Elder and dependent adult abuse reports go to Adult Protective Services, the long-term care ombudsman or police, depending on where it happened.
Things every team member should know
- Reasonable suspicion is enough. You don’t need proof. Report what you saw and heard; the agencies investigate.
- The duty is personal. Telling the dentist or office manager doesn’t replace your own report, and no one may stop you from reporting.
- Reporters are protected. A good-faith report can’t be used to punish you.
- Not reporting is a crime. It’s a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
Set up your office’s procedure
- Post the phone numbers for your county’s child protective services, Adult Protective Services and local police where staff can find them.
- Have each new licensed employee sign the statement required by Penal Code §11166.5 before they start, and keep the signed copies.
- Decide who helps with paperwork and how the visit is documented in the chart.
- Train the whole team, including the front desk.
Our California Mandated Reporter program takes about an hour, in English or Spanish, and covers recognizing abuse, making the report and building your office’s procedure. Every certificate is dated and verifiable. $19 a person, or included in the Complete plan. It is a certificate of completion, not continuing-education (CE) credit.
Mandated reporter trainingCommon questions
Are dental hygienists and RDAs mandated reporters in California?
Yes. Dentists and dental hygienists are named in Penal Code 11165.7, and so is anyone licensed under Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, which includes RDAs.
How fast must a child abuse report be made?
By phone immediately or as soon as practicably possible, with a written report within 36 hours.
Is telling my supervisor enough?
No. The duty to report is personal, and no supervisor may stop you from reporting.
What happens if a mandated reporter does not report?
Failing to report is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Sources: California Penal Code §§11165.7, 11166 and 11166.5 · Welfare and Institutions Code §15630.