Child maltreatment

Abstract

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are in a unique position to identify and report child abuse. In the career of any practitioner, maltreated children (both physically abused and neglected) will present for management of injuries and infections. There must be a high level of vigilance for, and understanding of, mechanisms of injury and skill in sorting out inflicted injuries or evidence of neglect. Because of this, the medical community, society, state law, and the legal system place oral and maxillofacial surgeons in a position of expertise and accountability in the care of children.