Study of Oral Health and History in Children at Risk of Maltreatment Compared to Matched Controls

What this Trial Is About

This observational study investigates the oral health and history of children enrolled at Childrens Advocacy Centers CAC compared to a matched control group of children not enrolled at CAC. The research aims to identify oral signs of child maltreatment, assess the need for specialized and trauma-sensitive dental treatment, and evaluate interdisciplinary cooperation between CAC, Child Welfare Services CWS, and the Public Dental Health Service PDHS. The study seeks to improve prevention, detection, and support for children at risk of maltreatment through enhanced collaboration. The study collects retrospective dental record data from the public dental health records of children aged 0 to 18 years enrolled at CAC and a control group matched by age and gender. This data provides insights into oral health status, treatment needs, and how well the PDHS identifies and manages children at risk. The study uses existing records without adding burden to participants and has ethical approval to proceed without individual informed consent. Participants dental records will be reviewed for oral health indicators and history during 2022 to 2024. Researchers will assess the need for facilitated dental treatment and follow-up within PDHS and examine collaboration between involved agencies. The study duration covers data collection and analysis, with no direct intervention or contact with participants. This approach respects data protection regulations while gathering valuable information to support children at risk of abuse or neglect.

Children at Risk and Oral Health, The Dental Record Study