[Child abuse]

Abstract

It is estimated that in the Netherlands over 100.000 children per year are victims of child abuse. In more than 50% of the cases of physical abuse there is a trauma of the head and neck area. Therefore, it is likely that (without realizing it) dentists are regularly confronted with cases of child abuse. Dentists have an ethical duty to take positive action in cases of suspected child abuse. They may refer the patient to an oral surgeon, consult the family physician or ask the advice of the 'Advies- en Meldpunt Kindermishandeling' (Advice and Report Centre for Child Abuse). The Dutch Dental Association, the Dutch Association of Family Physicians and the Royal College of Physiotherapists have signed a formal agreement to promote closer cooperation in identifying child abuse more quickly.