Dentist’s role in recognizing child abuse: a case report

Authors

  • Alessandro Leite Cavalcanti UEPB
  • Ana Flávia Granville-Garcia
  • Edja Maria Melo de Brito Costa
  • Luciana de Barros Correia Fontes
  • Lenora Oliveira Pereira Diniz de Sá
  • Alexandre Durval Lemos

Keywords:

Child, violence, Dentistry

Abstract

Purpose: To report the dentist’s contribution in the identification, intervention and follow-up of a case of physical child abuse. Case description: A 5-year old child was brought by his stepmother to the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of the Dental School of the State University of Paraiba, Brazil, for routine dental care. The physical examination revealed a hematoma in the left orbit. As the patient’s report was inconsistent, he was referred to the Department of Psychology in order to obtain more information about the cause of the trauma and, if necessary, establish immediate protective measures for the child and plan the future actions for the case. Conclusion: This case illustrates the importance of an interdisciplinary approach for situations of violence involving children. Since physical violence can produce injuries in any part of the body, the dental staff must be prepared to identify any clinical evidence s well as to offer the adequate treatment for each case.

Author Biographies

Alessandro Leite Cavalcanti, UEPB

Professor da Disciplina de Odontopediatria do Departamento de Odontologia da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba

Ana Flávia Granville-Garcia

Professora da Disciplina de Odontopediatria do Departamento de Odontologia da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba

Edja Maria Melo de Brito Costa

Professora da Disciplina de Odontopediatria do Departamento de Odontologia da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba

Luciana de Barros Correia Fontes

Professora da Disciplina de Odontopediatria do Departamento de Odontologia da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba

Lenora Oliveira Pereira Diniz de Sá

Professora da Disciplina de Odontopediatria do Departamento de Odontologia da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba

Alexandre Durval Lemos

Professor da Disciplina de Odontopediatria do Departamento de Odontologia da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba

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Published

2009-02-11

Issue

Section

Case Report