Knowledge and conduct of dental surgeons regarding complaints and notifications of child abuse

Abstract

Child abuse is considered a global health problem. Given this reality, the relevant role of health professionals in identifying, diagnosing, reporting and, consequently, reducing the number of cases stands out. The Dental Surgeon is in a privileged position with regard to identifying cases of violence, given that the majority of physical injuries to children and adolescents occur in the head and neck region. Thus, the objective is to identify the experiences and conduct of dentists in Rio Grande do Norte regarding child abuse. An exploratory quantitative study was carried out using an electronic form, with semi-structured questions, sent to dentists with active registrations at the Rio Grande do Norte Regional Dentistry Council. A total of 100 completed questionnaires were obtained. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and association tests were used. The results revealed that 14% of professionals reported having seen a suspected case of physical abuse, but none of them reported it in the last semester. Although the response averages were higher than 6 in terms of willingness to detect, diagnose and identify abuse, these results do not corroborate the number of professionals who consider it necessary to have greater qualifications in diagnosis or who are unaware of any means of reporting. Technical-scientific training for identification and differential diagnosis is important and the responsibility for reporting suspected cases to the authorities is essential for exercising the profession in line with the values of citizenship and justice.