Abuse can involve children, women, men and the elderly. The
dental team can assist in early detection of someone being abused
when conducting an exam within the oral cavity.
Slide 3
Children whose parents abuse substances are almost three times
more likely to be abused and four times more likely to be neglected
than other children It is estimated that each day five children die
as a result of child abuse or neglect.
Slide 4
Parents with substance abuse problems are less educated and
less likely to be employed full time; Many parents with substance
abuse problems have histories of child abuse or neglect that might
affect their violent behavior.
Slide 5
There is accumulating research evidence that physical, sexual,
and emotional abuse and neglect during childhood increase a
person's risk of developing substance abuse problems. A recent
study confirms that children of alcoholics have an altered brain
chemistry that may make them more likely to become alcoholics
themselves (whether or not they have been abused)
Slide 6
In reported cases: the most persistent form of child abuse is
neglect (60 percent), followed by physical abuse (25 percent),
sexual abuse (13 percent), and emotional maltreatment (5 percent).
More than 50 percent of the victims were 7 years old or younger;
slightly More than half of victims were girls
Slide 7
It is estimated that 42 of every 1,000 children (under age 18)
in the United States have been either abused or neglected. The
number of sexually abused girls is three times the number of boys.
Boys are more likely than girls to be seriously injured by abuse.
Boys are also more likely to be emotionally neglected.
Slide 8
Child abuse is any act that harms the child's physical or
emotional development. Neglect occurs in 78.3% of child abuse
cases. Dental neglect is one type of abuse because it is the
deliberate act to seek and obtain treatment for dental problems by
a parent or guardian. Failure to obtain treatment causes the child
pain, infection, or interfere with adequate function of
mastication.
Slide 9
Signs that the dentist search for when he suspects a case of
abuse : Fractured incisors may be due to repeated trauma. Burns on
lips due to forced feeding of hot food. Bruises on lips - in
children may be due to forced pacifier use.
Slide 10
Frenum bruising or tear due to forced feeding of a child or an
elderly or due to a slap across the face. Oral or perioral syphilis
or gonorrhea or palatal petechiae or erythema probable sexual
abuse. Bite marks 65% of bite marks are visible on areas that are
not covered by the child's clothes.
Slide 11
Bite marks on abused children tend to come from individuals who
have uncontrollable anger toward the child. Infants that are bitten
by the perpetrator are more disciplinary in nature as the bites are
basically driven by a specific behavior by the infant.
Slide 12
Dental professionals are called upon to participate in crimes
related to children, especially if a bite mark is associated with
the victim.
Slide 13
Slide 14
The elder population of 65 and older is increasing each year,
so are the cases for elder abuse. Each year, millions of elders
suffer from abuse. The United States Department of Justice
indicates that violent crimes against people ages 65 and older are
approximately 4 in 1,000.
Slide 15
Elder abuse can be put into 5 categories: physical abuse sexual
abuse, psychological abuse financial abuse violation of
rights.
Slide 16
Slide 17
Clues for physical abuse : Injuries with incompatible
histories. Repeated injuries to head and neck regions.
Approximately 30% of known elder abuse cases were related to neck
and facial regions.
Slide 18
traumatic hair loss rope or strap marks indicating physical
restraint multicolored bruises indicating injuries at various
healing stages. lacerations puncture wounds oral soft tissues
injuries jaw fractures fractured or avulsed teeth
Slide 19
The NCPEA reported some indicators of elder abuse : Injuries
that are unexplained or are unlikely. Family members providing
different explanations of how injuries were sustained.
Slide 20
Repeated injuries with frequent hospitalizations in different
medical facilities to prevent medical practitioners from observing
abuse pattern. Delay between onset of injury and seeking medical
care.
Slide 21
It is crucial to document the signs of the repeated deliberate
orofacial trauma in the dental patient record when it is recognized
by the dental professional.
Slide 22
The documentation of findings includes: - a description of the
area, shape, size, color - a picture either using the intraoral
camera or digital camera to help with the documentation. This
documentation assists the dental professional to report the abuse
patterns. It helps with the investigation of abuse cases.
Slide 23
Prevention of elder abuse focuses on educational programs,
which are critical elements in any broad approach to domestic
violence.
Slide 24
These educational programs focus on : knowledge as to how to
protect themselves their rights how to seek help educating
professionals, caregivers, and the general public regarding the
nature of elder abuse and its prevention.
Slide 25
Progress should be made to increase professional awareness and
involvement through training sessions on abuse, with the specific
aim of fears concerning treatment of the elderly among staff.