Child Maltreatment: The Role of a Dental Professional
Course Number: 599
Course Contents
Psychological/Emotional Abuse
A dental professional, including any members of the dental staff, may observe other concerning signs and symptoms in the waiting area or during the exam itself. Depending on their severity, these signs and symptoms might not suggest maltreatment standing alone, but when observed in combination or with any of the signs of physical abuse, sexual abuse or neglect as outlined above, indicate possible maltreatment.
Concerning signs and symptoms exhibited by the child:19,20
Extreme lack of self-esteem
Significant, unexplained delays in development
Inappropriate or underdeveloped social skills and poor personal boundaries
Inability to regulate mood and/or behavior, manifesting extremes
Pronounced nervous or repetitive behavior such as sucking and rocking or self-inflicted injuries such as lip or cheek biting
Change in the child’s mood, demeanor or routine from the last visit
Acting out behavior
Fears, anxiety or distress
Regressive behavior
Sexualized behavior
Atypical interaction between the child and caregiver
Failure to make eye contact when discussing suspected abuse or neglect
Severe symptoms of self-destructive behavior – self-harming, suicide attempts, engaging in drug or alcohol abuse
Statements by the child disclosing abuse or neglect
Concerning signs and symptoms exhibited by the caregiver/s:
Lack of supervision in waiting area
Extreme discipline, including hitting, slapping, yelling, berating
Disinterest in the child’s dental needs and recommendations for treatment
Disinterest in the child in general