Method: Questionnaire survey of 168 dental practitioners living in the UK and 121 dentists identified from the Saudi Dental Society.
Result: UK Respondents demonstrated better knowledge of the signs and symptoms of Child Abuse and Neglect, while respondents from the Saudi group showed better knowledge of risk factors. Approximately 59% of dentists from the Saudi group had experienced a case of CAN in their practice in the previous 5 years; double the percentage found in the UK group. However, 20% of KSA dentists did not take any action whereas only one in 15 UK dentists did not report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. Both groups believed that dentists’ knowledge about child protection protocols is important.
Conclusion: Levels of knowledge amongst dental practitioners in the UK and Saudi Arabia of CAN are good. However there is a need for further training and support in identifying appropriate care pathways for individuals identified as suspected cases of CAN through dental practice.