Final-year dental students’ interpretations, knowledge, and conduct regarding child maltreatment and its implications for oral health

This paper aimed to identify the interpretations, knowledge, and conduct of final-year dental students from a city in the state of Paraná regarding child maltreatment and its impact on oral health. This cross-sectional observational study employed a quantitative and qualitative approach and included all final-year dental students in the city of Ponta Grossa, Paraná, in 2022. Data were collected using a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. The data were tabulated and analyzed using descriptive statistics, followed by content analysis. In total, 85 students participated in the study. Most considered knowledge and education on the subject to be very important, although they rated their academic preparation on the topic as only fair. Concerning academic conduct when facing a suspected or confirmed maltreatment case, the majority declared it appropriate to report it to the competent authorities. Regarding knowledge of child maltreatment, one category, entitled “family, domestic, or social violence,” was identified, comprising four subcategories: physical violence, neglect, psychological violence, and sexual abuse. The students identified poor oral health and parental or guardian neglect of the child's dental care as direct consequences of maltreatment. In conclusion, the students showed some lack of knowledge about the subject, requiring more information and training to recognize and identify cases of child maltreatment. Dental school curricula should address the topic of child violence more effectively.