A Comprehensive Overview of Research and Policy Perspectives on Dental Health and Child Neglect in Saudi Arabia

Author(s):

Fatma Salem Alzahrani, Fawaz Hassan Alzahrani, Saif Khamis Alzahrani, Nawaf Mohammed Muhaymidan, Aban Ibrahim Younis, Ibrahim Dhaifallah Al thobaiti, Khalid Ghubaysh Ghuwaydi and Omar Faleh Alqurashi*

Child abuse and dental neglect require the attention of healthcare practitioners, particularly those in the dental profession. Children subjected to abuse or neglect frequently exhibit oral signs and symptoms, placing dentists in a crucial role in early identification and intervention. This review explores the multifaceted dimensions of child neglect and its adverse effects on dental health in Saudi Arabia. Relevant papers published since 2000 discussing child dental neglect were retrieved. In Saudi Arabia, similar to numerous other nations, there is increasing acknowledgment of the necessity for a comprehensive approach to tackling child abuse and neglect. Recent studies conducted in Saudi Arabia have highlighted the understanding, attitudes, and conduct of healthcare experts concerning child maltreatment reporting. These outcomes underscore the importance of customized educational and training initiatives aimed at bolstering the capabilities of dental professionals to identify and address instances of child abuse and dental neglect, especially in Saudi Arabia.