Authors : C. Stavrianos, K. Louloudiadis, C. Papadopoulos, N. Konosidou, E. Samara and D. Tatsis
Abstract: Domestic violence and child abuse has become one of the latest social concerns and this trend can be clearly seen in the increasing number of reported cases. The aim of this case report is to present a case of physically abused child 11 years old. The 11 years old child had facial and oral traumas, in particular bruises and abrasions in the frontal area, the upper lip and the periorbital area about 65% of child abuse injuries involve head, neck or mouth areas. So, dental personnel may be in a good position to note abuse. As dentists, researchers are likely to be in contact with children who have been exposed to family violence the head and face are often easy targets of the abuse. The dental team that is alert to the fact that many children are been abused and that many of these abused children have injuries to the head and around the mouth may be able to identify an abused child and institute steps that might save the child’s life.
C. Stavrianos, K. Louloudiadis, C. Papadopoulos, N. Konosidou, E. Samara and D. Tatsis, 2011. Challenging Dentists’ Role: Identifying and Reporting Domestic Violence. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 5: 32-37.