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

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

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)

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.