Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding child abuse and neglect among dental practitioners

Background: Child abuse and neglect (CAN) is a prevalent and growing public health problem. Dentists are in a strategic position to identify and report cases of CAN as common signs of child abuse are in the orofacial region. Proper knowledge and awareness are required for early identification and intervention to prevent untoward consequences. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study using a predesigned three parts questionnaire was conducted among general and specialty practitioners in branches of dentistry of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka to assess the knowledge, awareness, and behavioral practice towards child abuse and neglect. The data extracted were tabulated, statistically analyzed and results calculated based on percentages using SPSS. Result: The participants in the current study demonstrated sufficient knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child physical abuse, actions that should be taken in suspected cases, circumstances in which to report such cases, and the legal authorities to which they should be reported. Most of the participants desired for further training such as courses or workshops on examining, diagnosing, and reporting cases of child abuse. Conclusion:-The study suggests that dental practitioners need an effective education to increase their knowledge and awareness on CAN for its precocious identification and diagnosis as an assay for early intervention.