ABSTRACT
D entists and physicians have important ethicalresponsibilities in recognizing inflicted injuries2-9. Approximately 65% of child abuse injuries are to the head and neck, clearly visible to the dental team or knowledgeable observers, such as teachers, social workers, health care professionals, or law enforcement. Head trauma is the most frequent cause of morbidity and death in abused children. The head and face are attacked because they represent the sense of ‘self’ of the child, the center of communication and nutrition. The mouth is often injured due to the abuser’s desire to silence the child. The dentist and physician should consider non accidental injuries when there are one or more of suspicious injuries present (Table 16). In general, the child should be observed for ageinappropriate behavior, fear of adults or authority, flinching at space infringement, lack of appropriate crying, or excessive crying. Observations should include the location, severity, and whether there are injuries in various stages of healing10-12.
