Abstract
AbstractChild abuse is prevalent in every segment of the society and is witnessed in all social, ethnic, religious, and professional strata. Maltreatment of children includes physical, sexual or emotional abuse as well as child neglect. The long-term term effects of child abuse and neglect are painful and damaging. Among health professionals, dentists are probably in the most favourable position to recognize CAN, because 50% to 75% of reported lesions involve the mouth region, the face, and the neck. Besides dentists have a continuing relationship with their paediatric patients and their families, as it is necessary for a patient to be seen several times in a month. This fact not only gives the dentist a chance to the physical and psychological condition of a child but also the family environment. Despite all these opportunities in detecting child maltreatment, they seldom report suspected orofacial injuries. As members of the dental profession, we should realize that we find ourselves in a unique position to observe symptoms of child abuse. Providing the proper training to the dentists, we give them the power to participate actively in a process that may help to save the lives of otherwise helpless children.