The role of dentist and forensic odontologist in oral and dental aspects of child abuse and neglect

Abstract

Child abuse can take many forms like physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and Munchausen’s syndrome. It is important to realize that dentist should be aware that such physical and sexual abuse may result in oral and dental injuries or conditions. This review is going to highlight the facts of child abuse and neglect that are overlooked and unnoticed in routine dental practice. Dentists are in an ideal position to detect signs of child abuse because 65% of all physical trauma associated with abuse occurs in the face or neck area. This paper lays emphases on such findings, their significance and to meticulously observe and document them. Furthermore, prominences on key steps in recognizing and reporting abuse while conducting and documenting interviews with the children and parents culminating with discreet cases of abuse related to dentistry