The dentist as a child abuse informer: a case report

Authors

  • Ana Lucia Vollú Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
  • Marta Lua P.W. Almeida Departamento de Pós-Graduação, Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Veiga de Almeida (UVA)
  • Maria de Fátima C. Vasconcelos Departamento de Pós-Graduação, Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Veiga de Almeida (UVA)
  • Cláudia M. Gomes Departamento de Pós-Graduação, Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Veiga de Almeida (UVA)
  • Roberto Braga de C. Vianna Departamento de Odontopediatria e Ortodontia, Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
  • Fernanda Barja-Fidalgo Departamento de Odontopediatria e Ortodontia, Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
  • Andréa Fonseca-Gonçalves Departamento de Odontologia Preventiva e Comunitária, Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Keywords:

child abuse; domestic violence; pediatric dentist

Abstract

ABSTRACT

 

 Domestic violence against children interferes in their psychological development, leading to sequels that manifest and persist up to adulthood. Physical evidence of domestic violence is easily observed in the orofacial complex and eventually becomes detected by dentists. We report the case of a 9-year-old victim of maltreatment who was diagnosed during dental treatment. A pediatric dentist was able to identify signs and symptoms, both physical and psychological, of the injuries and then brought the case to the responsible authorities. Custody of the child was granted to the grandmother by a court decision, which enabled the recovery of health and quality of life. Professionals must properly conduct cases through complaints in order to protect children from future occurrences.

 

 

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Published

2018-05-03

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1: January-April 2018

Section

Case Report