Domestic abuse--an underreported problem in general dental practice?

'Child abuse' is a topic about which clinicians will be well informed. There are protocols relating to the management of patients suspected of having sustained non-accidental injuries and clinical staff will be expected, as part of mandatory training, to receive education in this area. Domestic abuse (DA) is an under-reported, but relatively common problem and has many implications in the management of traumatic injuries in adults. The objective of this paper is to discuss the aetiology, history and presentation of patients who have been subjected to domestic abuse, and to help provide a strategy for their management.

Domestic abuse is a relatively common problem and, as such, dentists should be aware of this important area and how to manage patients they suspect of having been abused, or who inform them that they have' been subjected to DA.