Child Abuse: Our Role!

Abstract

Childhood should be carefree time of life filled with love, with new worlds to explore, and with the joy of mastery of oneself and the environment. For many children it is a dream and not reality. Child abuse and neglect is a social problem prevalent in all countries. In developing countries, most of such instances go unnoticed and undocumented, and the real scenario remains unclear. It is generally accepted that the most effective strategy for management of child abuse in its various forms is prevention. The significance of child abuse is threefold. First of all a pediatric dentist is very likely to see cases. Second, the pediatric dentist is not only morally bound but often legally obligated to report suspected cases. Finally reporting does help. The likelihood that the dentist will see evidence of child abuse is increased by the fact that physical abuse often involve facial and intraoral trauma. As pediatric dentists, our role lies on two scales. Primarily to identify such a case in dental office and report to concerned authorities and secondarily to spread generalized awareness among kids this will help them in a great way. Let us fulfil our duty and make this world a better place.