title: Dental caries in children: a sign of maltreatment or abuse?
abstract: Healthcare professionals are required to complete regular training in safeguarding children and, in this training, dental caries and poor oral hygiene are often cited as potential indicators of neglect. Nurses may be the first healthcare professionals to detect poor oral health in a child, although unfortunately the relationship between neglect and dental caries in children is unclear. Any healthcare professional suspicious of child abuse or neglect has responsibility to follow the appropriate protocol and report their concerns. If dental neglect is suspected then the opinion of a dentist will be required as part of the investigation.
authors: Birmingham Dental Hospital. David.heads@bhamcommunity.nhs.uk
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Heads
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Ahn
authors: Vahe
authors: V
authors: Petrosyan
authors: Helen
authors: H
authors: Petersen
authors: Anthony
authors: A
authors: Ireland
authors: Jonathan
authors: J
authors: Sandy
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology