Child abuse and dentistry: A study of knowledge and attitudes among dentists in Victoria, Australia

Child abuse is a disturbingly common finding in society today. In view of t he high proportion of orofacial injuries seen in victims of child abuse, de ntists are in a strategic position to recognize and report suspected cases. The present study of 347 dentists in Victoria, Australia, assessed the leve l of knowledge and attitudes among dental professionals on the important is sue of child abuse. While a high level of interest was shown by the partici pants towards this issue, a need for further information and training in th e recognition and reporting of child abuse was seen in the survey findings. While dentists at present are not legally mandated in all states of Austral ia to report suspected cases of child abuse, the dental profession is in a key position to play an active role in the identification and reporting of this substantial community problem.