Knowledge and attitudes among California dental care providers regarding child abuse and neglect.

The authors surveyed California dentists about their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding child abuse and neglect. Only 16 percent of the respondents claimed to have seen or suspected a case of child abuse or neglect during the preceding five years, and only 6 percent claimed to have reported such a case. The authors also found that the respondents had little knowledge of California law regarding the reporting of such cases and little information or training in diagnosing and reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.