Mandatory reporting of child physical abuse and dental neglect by Australian dentists

Child protection measures are organized into three major themes: laws; service programs; and status of outcomes of these interventions. Contextually, mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect is governed by a complex system of State legislation across Australia. The purpose of this review was to investigate the evidence base for the legislative obligations of Australian dentists as mandatory reporters; the functionality of dental practice in the determination of orofacial signs of abuse and neglect; and, relevant knowledge and practice demonstrated by the Australian dental work force. Our research question explores the role of Australian dentists in intervention of child physical abuse and dental neglect. Information was sourced from literature and web-based reviews. Peer reviewed articles included reviews and empirical studies. Official websites/databases were accessed for relevant legislation. The study found that child protection laws lack an evidence base for including/excluding dentists as reporters. Child abuse and neglect is associated with strong orofacial signs, thus imparting a key advantage to utilizing dentists as potential notifiers. An action response to child abuse is not seen in the Australian dental service. This review identifies gaps in the dental literature concerning mandatory reporting, calls for optimization of the related evidence base, and uniform Australian child abuse reporting requirements.