Year : 2022

Volume : Volume 13

Issue : Issue 1

Address for correspondence :
Aesha M. Kazi
aeshakazi106@gmail.com

Abstract

The following article gives a brief idea of child abuse and the role of the dentist in its early intervention. Child abuse is the world’s greatest silent crime. It is any kind of physical, sexual, emotional abuse, or neglect resulting in actual or potential harm that may extend to the length of life. Child abuse and neglect (CAN) is a global phenomenon. While systems of laws and legislatures are set in place for such a heinous crime, India is still in a position that it has a long way to go to help and protect such children. The prevalent role of a dentist in the oral health care of a child helps to acknowledge a victim of abuse. Dentists are one of the few personnel who come in direct contact with the victim and can help salvage them. On detecting any unexplained or inexplicable bruise or injury on the child’s body, the patient should be questioned and the parent or caregiver cross-examined. The apparent damage can be eliminated with prompt attention and action on the part of the dentist. The willful silence of a dentist makes them an indirect accomplice to the perpetrator of abuse. No known victim of CAN should go unreported or unspoken.

Keywords: Child abuse and neglect, Child abuse, Role of dentist.