Child Abuse: The Dentist's Duty To Protect Children

There is no race, age, religion, color and social status discrimination when it comes to abuse. Dentists by law are obliged to denounce any kind of child abuse even if only suspected. We are often placed in a compromising position between the parents (who may be our own patients) and their child(ren). Be that as it may, we must protect the well being of the child(ren) and possibly risk the consequences that may arise if our accusations are false.

There are several ways a child can be abused - mentally, physically, sexually. As we review these cases, remember that there are different degrees of severity in each one.

Mentally: Often times the most common of the abuses and difficult to notice. However, speech impediment and difficulty could be related to abuses such as not allowing the child from express him or herself in any manner. This places the child in a cocoon world where he/she has not been permitted to verbalize his/her feelings. Often the parents will not allow the child to be treated by the dentist without one of the parents present. As the dentist starts to treat the child, if the child "resists", the parent will intervene verbally and the child will "freeze" and allow the dentist to do his/her work.

(Note: often if the family is of foreign background, they will communicate in their own language.)

This abuse will translate in adolescence which will be reflected in their schooling grades and later they will be very conservative in their life choices and social arenas.

Physically: This is quite common and most easily discernable. Bruises, burns and laceration are but a few signs. As dentists, we can often recognize physical abuses on the face, mouth and throat. Of course, it is important that we treat the child without the parent present in order to ask some questions to the child. Noticing a bruise or other, does not make it an abuse case; for example, the child might have fallen. Usually, the first visit we will give the benefit to the parent if the sign(s) are not "striking". However, if the follow up visits show the same or no improvement, a red flag will come up. Abuses can stem from constant headaches, broken teeth, burns in the mouth, petechia on the palate and other. These children will often be physical in their future with their family and friends.

Sexually: Very prominent but very difficult to prove as this is a hidden area. However, this kind of abuse is a hybrid of the two above. It mentally and physically affects the child. As it is well known this child(ren), will possibly turn to prostitution (usually women) and possibly sexually abuse their own spouse and children (usually men). Also some will be turned off by any normal sexual situations.

(Note: Do not assume that any child that has a bruise is abused. There are professional people to take care of these cases.)

Any true and/or false statement can also destroy a family. To any parent reading this article, if you and/or your spouse feel you may be abusing your child, please seek help. Understand that sooner or later someone will find out. Just listening to TV, you can see that more and more parents are arrested for one kind of abuse. There is many forms of help. If you are interested or know of a friend that may need help, please e-mail us at Dentisthotline.

Dr. Michael Farahnic

Always Your Choice is proud to acknowledge Dr. Michael Farahnick for his authorship in the dental articles. Dr. Farahnick is a practitioner of Dentistry, including both prevention and treatment. His practice involves all age groups and he has expertise in the area of accomodating the patient who has dental fears. He also is an instructor of dentistry at New York University School of Dentistry. We are proud to refer to Dr. Farahnick and he has become the dentist of many of our patients at the office. His contribution to our web site is greatly appreciated.

Dr. Michael Farahnick's office is located at: 405 Lexington Avenue (The Chrysler Building) Suite 6900 New York, NY 10174 - 0360 His office may be
reached at : 212 - 557 - 1234 E-mail:softstick@tiac.net