Child physical abuse: changes over ten years in the perceptions of Finnish dental professionals.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess perceptions and actions taken by Finnish dental professionals in suspected cases of child physical abuse (CPA) and to describe changes over 10 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data collected from two child abuse and neglect (CAN) surveys among Finnish dental professionals, working in public health care, covering suspicions of CPA and actions taken as well as training on CPA issues, were compared. The chi-squared (χ2) test was used to analyze associations. RESULTS: In total, 625 (2008) and 1,025 (2019) questionnaires were completed. Respondents reported that they suspected CPA more frequently in 2008 than in 2019 (21.0% vs. 8.7%, p < 0.001). Out of all respondents, 1.1% had reported their concern to the police in 2019. Worries about the report's negative consequences to the child at home (44.5% vs. 56.4%, p < 0.001) and to the informer (30.2% vs. 36.3%, p = 0.016) increased between the surveys. The proportion of respondents with previous training on CPA issues increased between the surveys (5.9% vs. 36.4%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of CPA was low and decreased over the years. Furthermore, mandatory reporting to the police was low. Additional education on issues related to CPA is needed.

The experiences of Finnish dental professionals in handling child abuse and neglect issues in their daily work.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the experiences, attitudes and knowledge of child abuse and neglect (CAN) among dentists, dental hygienists and dental nurses in Finland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A web-based CAN survey was sent to 8500 Finnish dental professionals, covering demographic characteristics, dental education, suspicion of CAN, actions taken and reasons for inaction as well as training on CAN issues. The chi-squared (χ2) test was used to analyse associations. RESULTS: In total, 1586 questionnaires with valid data were completed. Among respondents, 25.8% had received at least some undergraduate training and 36.3% had received postgraduate training on child maltreatment issues. In addition, 43% of respondents had at least one suspicion of CAN at some point during their career. Of those, 64.3% did not refer to social services. Training positively associated with the identification of CAN and referral frequencies. Uncertainty about an observation (80.1%) and a lack of knowledge regarding procedures (43.9%) were the most frequently reported barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Finnish dental professionals need more education on child abuse and neglect issues. Competence related to CAN is fundamental to their skills given that all dental professionals regularly work with children and are obligated to report their concerns to proper authorities.