Non-accidental injury in children

Non-accidental injury (NAI) to children is quite common. Many of the injuries are manifest in the head, particularly the face and dental tissues, and the dentist, whether in practice, community or hospital based, is therefore well placed to identify early signs of child abuse. It is a dentist's duty to become familiar with the types of injury suggestive of NAI, and the course of action they should take if a suspected case occurs.