Child abuse and neglect: dentistry's role.

While the actual incidence of child abuse has not been determined, the available statistics are grim. The dentist must view himself as a child advocate. Simply treating dental and facial injuries of abused children while ignoring the social needs of the child and family is unacceptable. State laws mandate reporting as well as protect the dentist from civil or criminal liability. Dentistry's contribution in the management of nonaccidental injuries is the recognition of the possibility of physical abuse, the treatment of orofacial injuries and reporting to the appropriate authorities.