It’s good to see that the important role of dentists in detecting child neglect and abuse has been more clearly defined in a new policy developed for the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry
Neglect of a child’s teeth is a very serious concern in itself. Untreated dental caries can result in extreme pain and discomfort. But dentists are also uniquely well placed to spot possible non-accidental injuries to the head, face and neck. Their role in detecting child abuse and neglect is crucial.
