Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
2 Department of Public Health Dentistry, KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences, Belgaum, Karnataka, India
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Child abuse (CA) is prevalent in every segment of society and is witnessed in all
social, ethnic, religious, and professional strata. In this situation, dentists are in an ideal position to
help detect signs of CA and should be able to recognize those signs.
AIM: To assess the perspectives toward CA and neglect among dental practitioners of Belagavi city.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional survey was conducted among 102 dental
practitioners. The data were collected by self‑administered structured questionnaire. Data were
analyzed using descriptive analyses for responses to each question, and Chi‑square test was applied
to test the association.
RESULTS: 59.8% had learned the topic of CA and neglect as a student. Overall, 16 participants
have recognized suspicious case of CA and neglect in their dental office. Only 34.3% had knowledge
regarding the findings pointing to CA and neglect, and 96% had reported that there are barriers
regarding reporting the same. 93% are of opinion that the topic is of utmost importance and more
training is required in this aspect.
CONCLUSION: Training and continuing dental education programs should be tailored to the specific
needs of all professionals to diagnose, report, and prevent CA.
Keywords
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