ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim is to assess the awareness and professional responsibilities of pedodontists, general dentists, and dental students concerning suspected child abuse and to explore their professional experiences with this issue. Material and methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 400 conveniently selected general dentists, pedodontists, and dental students in Bengaluru city. Self-administered, structured, both open- and closed-ended questionnaires were used to elicit information about their experience (if any) with suspected/confirmed cases of Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN). Responses to open-ended items were grouped based on common responses. Descriptive statistics and Chi-squared tests were used to analyze the data. Results: About 15.6% suspected a case of CAN based on physical indicators, and 8% reported a confirmed case of CAN that was based on conflicting history from child to parent. Counseling of both child and parent, followed by a proper recording of history, was the action taken for suspected cases. In addition, counseling of parents followed by reporting to concerned authorities was done for confirmed cases. About 18.4% observed a change in the child's behavior that was predominantly scared and submissive. Counseling of the child/parent/caretaker was the preferred approach, followed by reporting to concerned authorities. Pedodontists preferred to create public awareness, and dental students preferred to report to concerned authorities. Conclusion: The exposure to a suspected or confirmed case of CAN was very less in the present study. Not many participants who encountered a child abuse case opted to report it to higher authorities and rather focused on counseling the parent/family. The role of pedodontists was found to be crucial since most reported cases were from their end; however, dental students showed a greater interest in managing a case of CAN. There is a need to create more awareness regarding the management of CAN cases among dentists and students. Clinical significance: CAN is a major problem around the world that can have long-term adverse effects on Children. The first step in intervention is awareness and identification of CAN cases. How to cite this article: Sampangi Ramegowda AB, Kumar VD, Bhatnagar S, et al. Awareness and Professional Responses in Managing Cases of Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) among Dental Students, General Dentists, and Pedodontists of Bengaluru City, India. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(4):619-625.
ABSTRACT
Dental caries is the most common disease affecting oral cavity. Despite credible scientific advances and the fact that dental caries is preventable, the disease continues to be a major public health problem. AIM: To assess the dental caries status and oral hygiene practices among 6-10-year-old rural and urban schoolchildren in south Bengaluru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 452 children from four schools which included one government school from rural and urban area and one private school from rural and urban area in south Bengaluru. Detailed pro forma was used, and information was recorded through an interview system. The examination for dental caries was made according to the dentition status and treatment needs as described by the World Health Organization (1997) using Community Periodontal Index Probe and Plane Mouth Mirror (type III examination), under natural day light in school premises. The examination was done by a single examiner and recorded by the trained personnel. RESULTS: Prevalence of dental caries was more in rural schoolchildren. More than five decayed teeth were documented in higher percentage of children in rural government school, while it was much less in children of other schools. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive community-focused oral healthcare intervention that includes oral health education in elementary schools and homes is recommended to increase general oral health awareness. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Chandregowda KY, Kumar VD, Shankarappa KB, et al. Assessment of Dental Caries Status and Oral Hygiene Practices among 6-10-year-old Rural and Urban Schoolchildren in South Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(4):348-354.
