If you confide in your dentist, must he tell your parents?

Question

I suffer from 2 eating disorders....I was diagnosed 3 years ago, but my parents have always been in denial and have told me I've faked them...

I have a dentist appointment soon (I'm 17) and was wondering IF I were to tell my dentist, would he have to tell my parents?

(I'm in the USA if that matters)

Answer 1

If this is anorexia or bulimia, your dentist probably already knows with out your admission. Your teeth and gums give away your condition without you saying a word. Your dentist won't discuss this with your parents, unless your parents ask for specifics. Even then, he won't go out of his way to discuss what you have "confided" in him, but he will discuss your needed dental treatment or present condition since your parent’s permission is needed for the treatment, and they are also responsible for you. I hope you get the help needed for your eating disorder soon, this disease can be devastating on your mind, body and your teeth, it is nothing to be ignored or denied. I hope I've been of some help and good luck.

Additional information: I'm a little confused by your question, you say you were "diagnosed" by a professional (I'm assuming) "3 years ago," and your parents shrugged it off saying you were "faking it," but you want to confide or discuss the problem with your dentist, but "don't want" or "do want" him to talk to your parents? Are you hoping, or do you know that you have a dental condition that "proves" your eating disorder, are you trying to give some sort of "proof" to your parents that you aren't "faking" your problem? I don't understand why you think that after being diagnosed by a medical professional, that they would listen to your dentist with any more regard than previously displayed about your medical condition? This may be something that you need to discuss with a family member, councilor or your medical physician for advice and the needed help.

Additional information: I agree with everyone that it is your dentist "legal obligation" to discuss your dental care and needed treatment, but that does not mean, that what ever you discuss with him, will send him to the nearest phone to call your parents. It only means that he will use his good judgment in what information you've given and if it should be or how it is reveled to your parents. You may want to broach the topic with your dentist and see what his reaction is and ask if he can keep your conversation private or if he will have to divulge it to your parents. This will also work both ways, if he notices that your eating disorder is effecting your teeth (or you can mention it to him ask if it's harmed your teeth or gums yet) and you would prefer he discuss this with your parents, then by all means ask him to talk with them.

Answer 2

The school have a Duty of Care for you when you are there, imagine how parents would feel if the school didn't tell them of serious matters affecting their child? When you become a parent you'll understand that so much more. The legal term is that while you are at school the school teachers are In Loco Parentis that means they are acting as your parents on behalf of your parents, as if they were your parents. If it was a little thing they may keep quiet but on self harm it is too serious to not take action. Suppose the child was cutting seriously and then cut an artery and bled to death (either accidentally or deliberately) and the parents then find out the school knew about the self harm?! These parents would be suing the school believe me. In Scotland the children reach majority at age 16 instead of 18 legally so you'll have to find a way to move! Not even then the school would insist on informing parents of this serious event. If we're talking small scratches now and again maybe the school would keep quiet for a while and encourage you to tell them but often it's easier if the school do tell your parents when you are not around. The school can provide counselling as well that your parents don't attend but again if you were to say something like you plan to end your life the counsellor will tell your parents. Have you considered talking to Childline or Samaritans? It's not counselling but it may help you for a while to understand why you are doing this, what makes you harm yourself, how do you feel before during and after both mentally and physically. There are a few different reasons for harming and it's good to establish them as different treatments will apply.

Answer 3

Listen at 17 you are still covered by your parents insurance for treatment. But if you wait then you may never get the help you need. Your parents need the intervention this time. Why do you do it, is it for attention?? I am not trying to hurt your feelings, but if your parents have blown you off about something as serious as an eating disorder then maybe they have a pattern of not giving you the attention you deserve. Confide in someone you trust like an aunt or grandmother, and have the sit and talk with your parents with you. I think that a dentist cannot divulge that information if your over 18, but as long as your a minor they have full access to your dental records. Gynocology is a whole other story, so dont go by what other doctors rules are. If you want the dentist to tell your parents so you can get help, explain to the dentist about whats going on, they can tell your parents what proof is visible just by looking at your teeth. Most Dentists arent going to call your parents though, they will let it go because its not what they are treating..

Answer 4

Sorry that your parents are in denial....they can't properly help you if they won't be adults and face it. It depends on the dentist. He can without any problems because you are under 18. At 18 I think he has to be careful what he says. If you would like him to talk to your parents...talk to him...tell him about your diagnosis and that your parents are in denial for helping you. He will probably have a talk with them. You should really get some help as young as you can, so that it is easier to deal with. There are physical problems that arise from eating disorders....some of them serious. I wish you well and hope that you get some help. Good Luck. Afterthought:: maybe try talking to your parents again and let them know you need and want help, or ask the intercession of a well respected family friend or relative. You could always approach a social service agency( probably county) for assistance. Again, Good Luck to you.

Answer 5

The dentist has a legal requirement to inform the patient, and the parent/guardian, of any and all conditions.
As a minor the dentist would have to tell your parents your diagnosis as most eating disorders do effect the oral cavity and you may require extensive dental work.
Patient confidentiality does not apply here as your parents need all of the information to make an informed decision as to treatment options.
Maybe hearing it from a medical professional will help your parents accept it.

Answer 6

Dentists are doctors, therefore I would think patient confidentiality would be invoked. However, I don't think telling your dentist about your situation would serve any purpose. Sounds like you want to tell someone. Perhaps a friend could help unless you are strong enough to tell your family or another doctor how specializes is this disorder.

Answer 7

I think he might have to, because it's your health and you can be in danger. I mean if you were diagnosed with it, why are your parents in denial? I hope you get some help soon!

Answer 8

He could tell them since you are under 18.....

Most will not say anything if you are over 16 - so you have a good shot at him not mentioning it.

I think he should tell them. You need help. It would bring your parents our of denial in a hurry!

Answer 9

If he thinks you are a danger to yourself, he may be legally required to inform your parents (but I'm not sure). But maybe you should consider telling your parents yourself. You need to get help somehow, and if you let it go you could end up seriously hurting yourself.

Answer 10

I am not sure but I think it goes under doctor confidentiality unless you or someone Else is in immediate danger