Human trafficking is a pervasive and often hidden crime affecting individuals of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Dental professionals are uniquely positioned to identify potential victims because of the frequency and intimacy of oral health visits. This one-hour course provides an overview of both sex and labor trafficking, highlighting national statistics, common myths and indicators that may be observed in a dental setting. Participants will learn to recognize physical, behavioral and contextual “red flags,” document observations appropriately, and make informed referrals. The session also emphasizes the ethical and legal responsibilities of dental professionals when trafficking is suspected and reviews available reporting and support resources.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the nature and prevalence of human trafficking, including types and characteristics relevant to healthcare and dental settings.
• Identify clinical and behavioral indicators (“red flags”) that may signal a patient is being trafficked.
• Implement appropriate communication, referral, and reporting strategies consistent with professional, legal and ethical responsibilities.

Original Release Date: Oct. 28, 2025

Expiration Date: Oct. 28, 2028

Questions? Contact learn@adea.org 

Disclaimer

The purpose of this presentation is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests at this presentation express their own experience, opinions and conclusions. Guest statements do not express the viewpoint of ADEA. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity or therapy should not be construed as an ADEA endorsement.

CE Information

The American Dental Education Association is an ADA CERP-recognized Provider.

An evaluation form is available to participants after the conclusion of the live webinar. To earn continuing education (CE) credit for participation in the webinar, the online evaluation must be completed in full by Oct. 28, 2028. After completing the evaluation, webinar participants can print and save the CE Verification Form.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

The American Dental Education Association designates this activity for 1.0 continuing education credit.

All speakers agree that neither they nor members of their immediate family have any financial relationships with commercial entities that may be relevant to their presentation.