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