Conhecimento dos cirurgiões–dentistas que atuam em unidades básicas de saúde frente aos abusos e maus-tratos infantis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of dentists who work in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in the face of child abuse and mistreatment. Methodology: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative study in which the population consisted of dental surgeons from the public network of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. The data obtained were analyzed using the statistical program SPSS 20. Results: 82.3% of dental surgeons reported having knowledge about violence against children and 58.1% said they were able to suspect the differential diagnosis or clinical sign of mistreatment, but 54.8% said they did not know how to act in a child violence case. Conclusion: Most interviewees are unaware of the legal and practical aspects related to the notification of violence against minors. Higher education institutions must address this issue so that future professionals have a more active attitude in the face of situations of child abuse.