Child abuse and its detection in the Dental Office

Child abuse is a major public health problem all over the world. There are four major types of abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. Although the injuries of child abuse are many and varied, several types of injuries are common to abuse. Many of these injuries are within the scope of dentistry or easily observed by the dental professional in the course of routine dental treatment. It is important to realize that all members of the dental team have a unique opportunity and a legal obligation to assist in the struggle against child abuse. This requires clinical significance because a high proportion of abused children suffer injuries to the face and head, including the oral and perioral regions. These injuries may be observed during the course of dental treatment and in some cases even before the child is seated in the dental chair.