Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Who must be reported under the mandated reporting law?

1. Only children who are seen in dental offices

2. Cases of child abuse, sexual abuse, and elder abuse

3. Only instances of domestic violence

4. General misconduct at healthcare facilities

The correct answer is: Cases of child abuse, sexual abuse, and elder abuse

The correct response highlights the importance of reporting specific types of abuse under the mandated reporting law. Mandated reporters, which often include dental professionals and other healthcare workers, are legally required to report any suspected cases of child abuse, sexual abuse, and elder abuse. This legal obligation exists to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations who may not be able to advocate for themselves. This response aligns with the objective of mandated reporting laws, which are put in place to protect individuals, particularly children and the elderly, from harm and to facilitate timely interventions by the appropriate authorities. Dental professionals may observe signs of abuse during examinations, making it crucial for them to understand their responsibilities in these situations. The other options, such as only focusing on children seen in dental offices or limiting reports to instances of domestic violence, do not encompass the broader scope of abuse that mandated reporters must address. General misconduct at healthcare facilities, while important, does not pertain to abuse cases that are specifically outlined under mandated reporting laws. Understanding the nuances of these laws is essential for compliance and theethical practice of dental professionals.