Child Physical Abuse: How is the Knowledge and Awareness of Dentists in Surabaya regarding this Issue?

Child abuse and violence are part of global social and health problems. In 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 23% of children around the world were experiencing physical abuse. Dentists have a significant role in determining child abuse conditions as most of the abusive signs, especially physical abuse, manifest in the oral and facial areas. This research assessed dentists’ knowledge in Surabaya regarding the oral and maxillofacial manifestation of child abuse and their behavior regarding this issue. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among general and pediatric dentists in Surabaya in 2019. Data were collected from an anonymous self-administered questionnaire with consent prior to it. 102 out of 150 questionnaires were completed (79 general dentists and 23 pediatric dentists). 82,35% of participants did not have formal education about child abuse. Only seven people were able to distinguish the manifestation of child abuse in the head and neck area, with pediatric dentist participants as the majority. 14,7% of participants had suspected child abuse during their daily practice, but none reported these findings. 51,9% of participants did not know the existence of legal protection for the reporter, and only 8,8% of participants knew the obligation to report regarding this issue. Dentists’ knowledge and awareness in Surabaya regarding child physical abuse are still lacking.