Dental surgeons' work in the identification of child and adolescent abuse in primary health care

We analyzed the role of the dental surgeon in identifying child and adolescent maltreatment in primary care and associated factors. A cross-sectional study of 212 dentist-surgeons in 85 municipalities of Ceará. A questionnaire containing socio-demographic variables and information on knowledge, identification, and notification of maltreatment was sent to participants by the municipal manager. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Few professionals identified maltreatment, indicating the difficulties of this practice. Analysis showed that having a post-graduation degree and knowing the notification form increased the chances of identifying maltreatment.