Authors : C. Stavrianos, A. Kokkas, H. Katsikogiani and G. Tretiakov
Abstract: Child sexual abuse is a form of child maltreatment with a variety of sexual offences which has intervened widely in modern societies. It is a morbid phenomenon which has turned to be one of the most high-profile crimes, outlawed in every developed country. The purpose of this report is to review the dental aspects in the identification of child sexual assault. The symptoms vary and may be developed either as psychological alteration or as physical signs or as a combination of both. One can notice oral injuries (e.g., Orofacial trauma) or infections as a sign of a preceded sexual abuse as the oral cavity is a frequent site of this kind of assault. Oral, perioral and pharyngeal gonorrhea in prepubertal children is another pathognomic sign. Child maltreatment may also affect its behaviour in the dental office. It is common sense that treating a dental patient involves valuation of its general medical condition and not only looking inside its mouth. Injuries inflicted by one’s mouth may leave clues regarding the time and nature of the injury as well as the identity of the perpetrator. The contribution of the dentist can be remarkable as he can be the first person that comes in touch with the child, recognising signs and symptoms of preceded sexual maltreatment. After identifying such conditions he is obliged by the law to refer the child for further and meticulous examination by a specialist doctor and provide the authorities with all the dental and medical documents that he possesses.
C. Stavrianos, A. Kokkas, H. Katsikogiani and G. Tretiakov, 2010. Dentist’s Action after Identifying Child Sexual Assault. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 4: 157-165.