Common types of abuse mainly seen by dentists include:
1) Physical abuse
2) Sexual abuse
3) Dental neglect
How can a dentist identify cases of child abuse?
Since dentists are mainly concerned with the head and neck area of the patients and according to various research, head and neck injuries are seen in more than 50% of the cases of child abuse seen world wide, which makes a dentist one of the prime identifier of child abuse, provided they are adequately trained to note the signs and also about the cascade involved in reporting such cases.
What type of injuries could be possibly associated with child abuse?
Commonly seen head and neck injuries involved in suspected cases of child abuse are summarized and represented in a 3 dimensional life size model by us in the section named 3D design. Incase any injury similar to those shown in the 3D atlas is seen, and is inconsistent with the history given by parent/guardian, a case might be termed suspicious of child abuse.
What should dentists do if they think a case is suspected of possible child abuse?
Dentists are required to inform the respective law enforcement and/or child protection agency in their geographic location. This reporting should not involve the patient or their guardians because if it is a genuine case of abuse, the victim might suffer more in that way.
What happens if a dentist reports a case of suspected child abuse which later turns out not to be a case of abuse?
If the reporting in done with the sole purpose of safeguarding the patients right, the dentist is immune to any prosecution and all rights of confidentiality will be observed.
References:
1) Organization WH. WHO Guidelines for the health sector response to child maltreatment. Technical Report. Geneva: WHO. Accessed March 28, 2020: https://www.who…; 2019
2) Rötzscher K. Forensic and legal dentistry: Springer; 2014.
3) Singh V, Lehl G. Child abuse and the role of a dentist in its identification, prevention and protection: A literature review. Dental Research Journal. 2020;17(3):167.
4) Mânica S, Gorza L. Forensic odontology in the 21st century – Identifying the opinions of those behind the teaching. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine. 2019;64:7-13.
