Child abuse: Perception and responsibility of dentists

Authors

  • Ana Flávia Granville-Garcia Faculdade de Odontologia da Associação Caruaruense de Ensino Superior
  • Valdenice Aparecida Menezes Associação Caruaruense de Ensino superior; Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernamb
  • Paula Fernanda Rodrigues Silva Associação Caruaruense de Ensino superior; Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernamb

Keywords:

Child abuse, domestic violence, child

Abstract

Purpose: To verify the perception and responsibility of dentists in relation to child abuse. Methods: Fifty-four dentists currently working in private practice or public service were interviewed. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: Most dentists (87%) reported having knowledge of child abuse and considered themselves capable of diagnosis (65%). However, few dentists mentioned oral lesions as evidence of child abuse (4%). In general, dentists would report child abuse (96%); the Guardian Council (63%) and the Childhood and Adolescence Court House (22%) were the most cited organizations for child protection. However, most dentists do not know how to document child abuse case (61%) nor received such information at dental school (93%). Conclusions: It is necessary to inform dentists of their legal and ethical responsibility and obligations in cases of child and adolescence abuse. Key words: Child abuse; domestic violence; child

Author Biographies

Ana Flávia Granville-Garcia, Faculdade de Odontologia da Associação Caruaruense de Ensino Superior

*Doutora em Odontopediatria, Professora de Odontopediatria da Faculdade de Odontologia de Caruaru (FOC/ASCES)

Valdenice Aparecida Menezes, Associação Caruaruense de Ensino superior; Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernamb

** Doutora em Odontopediatria, Professora de Odontopediatria das Faculdades de Odontologia de Caruaru (FOC/ASCERS) e de Odontologia de Pernambuco (FOP/UPE);

Paula Fernanda Rodrigues Silva, Associação Caruaruense de Ensino superior; Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernamb

*** Cirurgiã-Dentista graduada pela Faculdade de Odontologia de Caruaru (FOC/ASCES).

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Published

2008-01-13

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 1 (2008)

Section

Original Article

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