Human Trafficking in US: Advanced Periodontics & Implantology (API), MI holds a Seminar on the Critical Role that Dental Professionals Can Play in Identifying Victims

LIVONIA, Mich., Dec. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Periodontics & Implantology (API), a premier clinical and education centre in Michigan, organized a seminar for dentists and hygienists on the topic 'Human Trafficking' in Livonia, MI on 29^th November 2017, 6 pm-8 pm.  Dr. Monish Bhola (DDS, MSD), a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Director of API stated, "Michigan Public Health Code and Administrative rules require all dentists to complete training in identification of human trafficking victims. This specialized seminar (two CE credits) was conducted to train dental professionals in identifying a trafficked victim and responding to and reporting suspicious activity." Dr. Bhola, who has been voted Detroit Hour Magazine's Top dentist every year since 2010, added, "API (www.advancedperiodontics.com) regularly conducts CE programs for dental professionals in accordance with changes in MI state laws. Additionally, API conducts several hands on courses for general dentists to elevate their knowledge, skills and patient care delivery."

Shocking Statistics of Human Trafficking in US

Becky McDonald, founder president of Women at Risk, International (WAR), who has spent three decades in international anti-trafficking relief work, was the guest speaker for this seminar. The National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH) describes human trafficking as a form of modern-day slavery in which, traffickers use force, fraud or coercion to control victims for thecom purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or labour services against their will." Revealing some shocking figures, Becky stated, "The US Government estimates that up to 300,000 American minors are at risk of trafficking every year. A UN study shows that 40% of traffickers in America are women and 60% are men. FBI estimates that 70,500 women are trafficked into US every year and that US is the 3^rd highest destination country for trafficking in the world."

How Can Dental Professionals Identify Victims & Help Them

Becky affirmed, "According to one study, 56% of trafficking victims will visit an Emergency Room (ER) or a medical professional at least once and not be identified as a victim, while 25% of them will visit an ER more than once." She informed dental professionals, "WAR International's mission is to empower you to be a circle of protection for your patients. Dental health care professional's response to someone, who is potentially at risk, should be to ACT, that is, ACCESS (ascertain if someone is at risk), CARE (know how to deal with your patient and get the facts) and take ACTION by knowing how to respond and intervene." RDH, a publication of Penn Well's Dental Division, which is an unparalleled source of latest information for dental professionals states, "A trafficked patient does not hold his/her identity or travel documents; is reluctant to speak; the 'attendant' or the 'translator' is constantly present with the patient and does not leave the victim alone with anyone and offers to pay with cash. Dental professionals should look for signs of abuse in children like bruises, chipped or cracked teeth; finger marks on the neck and a black eye. Most signs of abuse occur in the head and neck region; therefore, dental professionals are well suited to recognize these."

Call to Action for Dental Professionals While Dealing With a Trafficked Victim

August 2017 issue of 'Decisions in Dentistry', a peer reviewed journal states, "Trafficked individuals often have injuries inflicted on their head and face; fractures of teeth & jaws and dislocation of the lower jaw. If a dentist spots signs of abuse and other indicators of human trafficking, he/she should converse with the patient in private without the presence of the attendant. If the patient discloses that he/she is a victim, it is important to establish rapport with him/her; acknowledge the presence of symptoms of trauma; attend to his/her immediate needs & safety and respect an adult trafficked victim's decision about whether he/she is ready to self-report. It is mandatory for oral health professionals to report suspicions of abuse against minors, regardless of their consent." Dr. Monish Bhola emphasized, "At API, we seek to shine light on this dangerous issue and keep our community safe. It is important for Dental professionals to educate their staff on what trafficking is and how it has made its way into our communities."

About API

API is a premier clinical and education centre in Michigan with locations in Livonia and Plymouth. Dr. Bhola (DDS, MSD), Director of API is a world renowned authority on periodontics, bone grafting and dental implants. He has been a Professor & Director of Graduate Periodontics & Implantology at The University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry. Dr. Bhola & other API dentists, Dr. Kolhatkar and Dr. Jacobs, conduct Periodontics and Implantology courses for dentists and regularly publish research in leading dental journals.

Contact:

Ms. Myra Franklin
[email protected] 
734.459.4077

SOURCE Advanced Periodontics & Implantology

Related Links

http://www.advancedperiodontics.com