Abstract This study aimed to develop and validate a self-administered questionnaire in Brazilian Portuguese to verify the level of knowledge of orthodontists in the care of pregnant, lactating, and postmenopausal women, named “Considerations on Orthodontic Treatment during Pregnancy, Lactation, and Postmenopausal Periods.” The development and validation of the questionnaire consisted of the following steps: a) item generation; b) item reduction; c) questionnaire design; and d) validity and reliability tests in a cross-sectional study with 258 orthodontists working in the field from different Brazilian states. A total of 60 orthodontists participated in test-retest over a mean period of 45 days. The preliminary questionnaire consisted of a total of 60 questions. After item reduction, 40 questions were selected for the final version of the questionnaire, with eight questions about pregnant women; six about lactating women; 18 about postmenopausal women, and eight about general knowledge in dentistry. Each item had three response options in the Likert scale format. Face and content validity analysis, reliability assessment through internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega), and test-retest reliability through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman’s correlation coefficient were performed. Face and content validity indicated that the questionnaire was considered valid, objective, and easily understandable. The questionnaire had good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.77; McDonald’s omega = 0.78) and good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.71; Spearman’s correlation coefficient = 0.51). The questionnaire was considered valid and reliable to assess the level of knowledge of orthodontists in the care of pregnant, lactating, and postmenopausal women.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the 100 most-cited papers in Dentistry, with a focus on female leadership in dental research. Papers were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS- CC) in the category ‘Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine’. Gender was assessed through WoS-CC, Scopus, ResearchGate, social media, institutional websites, and software that assigns gender according to first names (https://genderapi.io). Characteristics of authors in leadership roles were retrieved, such as affiliation, publication history, citations, H factor, and i500. The 100 most-cited papers in Dentistry were authored by 394 researchers, 326 (82.7%) men, and 68 (17.3%) women - there were 4.8 male authors for each female. Among the lead authors, there were 11.3 males for each female. Among female senior authors, there were 7 males for each female. Among lead/senior authors of the 100 most-cited papers (first and last authors, respectively), 18 were women. There was an increase in the participation of women in the top cited papers regardless of authorship role across the six decades, with a peak of two female authors in the first decade of the 21st century. For female authors in leadership roles, their publication history shows the time between their first and last papers in WoS-CC ranged from 4 to 42 years for lead authors and 1 to 39 years for senior authors. Women were found to be largely underrepresented as leaders of the 100 most-cited papers, highlighting pervasive gender inequalities in dental research publications.

Resumo Objetivou-se analisar os 100 artigos mais citados em Odontologia, com foco na liderança feminina na pesquisa odontológica. Os artigos foram identificados utilizando-se a base de dados Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC) na categoria ‘Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine’. O gênero dos autores foi avaliado por meio do WoS-CC, Scopus, ResearchGate, mídias sociais, sites institucionais e um software que atribui gênero de acordo com o primeiro nome (https://genderapi.io). As características dos autores em papéis de liderança foram identificadas, como afiliação, histórico de publicação, número de citações, fator H e i500. Os 100 trabalhos mais citados em Odontologia foram de autoria de 394 pesquisadores, sendo 326 (82,7%) homens e 68 (17,3%) mulheres - foram 4,8 autores homens para cada mulher. Entre os primeiros autores, havia 11,3 homens para cada mulher. Entre os últimos autores, havia 7 homens para cada mulher. Entre os primeiros/últimos autores dos 100 artigos mais citados, 18 eram mulheres. Houve um aumento na participação de mulheres nos artigos mais citados, independentemente do papel da autoria ao longo das seis décadas, com um pico de duas autoras na primeira década do século XXI. Para autoras em papéis de liderança, seu histórico de publicação mostra que o tempo entre o primeiro e o último artigo no WoS-CC variou de 4 a 42 anos para primeiro autor principais e de 1 a 39 anos para último autor. Verificou-se que as mulheres estão sub-representadas como líderes dos 100 artigos mais citados, destacando-se desigualdades de gênero generalizadas nas publicações em pesquisa odontológica.

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the 100 most-cited articles on intraoral squamous cell carcinoma and its risk factors. A literature search was conducted on November 12, 2020 using the Web of Science database. Bibliometric data were collected after study selection. Bibliometric maps were generated using VOSviewer software. Articles were ranked based on the number of citations, ranging from 108 to 1513 per study. Eleven studies presented at least 400 citations. Articles were published between 1950 and 2017 and were mostly case-control studies (n = 39) and narrative reviews (n = 29). The author and institution in most articles were S. Franceschi (n = 10) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (n = 10), respectively. The most prominent countries were the United States (n = 35), the United Kingdom (n = 16), and France (n = 9). Among the 100 most-cited articles, only one article was from Brazil, and the authors were affiliated with the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research. Bibliometric maps showed strong associations between the terms alcohol, smoked/smokeless tobacco, and human papillomavirus. Emerging terms, such as areca nut and betel quid, were cited in recent articles. In conclusion, alcohol, tobacco, and human papillomavirus were the most prominent risk factors. Case-control design was the most common study design, and the majority of studies were conducted in the United States by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Abstract: The purpose of this review was to identify and analyze the main characteristics of the 100 most-cited papers in the field of endodontic therapy in primary teeth. A search for the most-cited articles was conducted in the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science ‘Core-Collection’ (WoS-CC) database up to December 2020. Papers were ranked in descending order, by number of citations, and each paper was matched with the citation count on Scopus and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers selected the most-cited papers and analyzed it according to the number and density of citations, year and journal of publication, authors, countries and contributing institutions, study design, topic of the paper, and keywords. Spearman’s correlation and Poisson regression were used to determine associations between the number of citations and study characteristics. The citation count varied from 15 to 135 (WoS-CC), 8 to 141 (Scopus), and 14 to 317 (Google Scholar). Of the 306 contributing authors, most paper contributions were from Sakai VT, Oliveira TM, and Machado MAAM (5 each). Most of the papers originated from the USA (n=21) and Brazil (n=18). Randomized trials were the most common study design (n=32), and “pulpotomy” was the most frequently used keyword (n=35). Poisson regression showed that the number of citations decreased by 1.5% each year, and increased by 9.7% for each unit of impact factor. This bibliometric analysis highlighted papers, authors, and institutions that have contributed to endodontic therapy in primary teeth. Common terms of interest in this research area was also identified, representing the first bibliometric analysis on this subject.

Abstract: Specific measures to evaluate positive oral health have been in a nascent stage in Dentistry, especially in developing countries. The present study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of Positive Oral Health and Well-Being (B-POHW). After forward-backwards translation to Brazilian Portuguese language, the cross-cultural adaptation of B-POHW was pretested, followed by the main study to perform psychometric analysis. We tested the model fit by Confirmatory Factor Analysis with categorical factor indicators in bifactor and simple structure models on a sample of 209 participants (mean age: 39.36 ± 12.26. Questionnaires about sociodemographic status, self-reported oral health-related outcomes, and general well-being were administered and used as external validation measures. Moreover, dental caries experience was clinically diagnosed. For test-retest reliability, 53 participants completed the B-POHW a fortnight later. The following results were found: a) the bifactor model presented the best model fit; b) the B-POHW demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω > 0.8); c) the intraclass correlation coefficient suggested good reliability for the Global Factor of B-POHW in the test-retest (ICC = 0.84); d) evidence based on other variables and construct representation was in line with the positive oral health framework. The B-POHW is psychometrically sound to be used in a Brazilian context, and evidence of its internal structure confirmed its theoretical framework for measuring positive oral health. These findings advance in holistic approaches, enabling to assess positive oral health in Dental practice in Brazil.

RESUMO Introdução: Protocolos de ensaios clínicos são documentos essenciais, que servem como base para o planejamento da pesquisa. As diretrizes do Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) objetivam aumentar a transparência e a integridade dos protocolos de ensaios clínicos. Objetivos: O presente trabalho descreve os principais aspectos do SPIRIT, destacando a importância do uso dessas diretrizes na Ortodontia. Resultados: O SPIRIT é composto por 33 itens e 1 diagrama, que foram aqui apresentados e explicados. Conclusão: O uso do checklist SPIRIT deve se tornar essencial, para aumentar a transparência e a integridade de ensaios clínicos na pesquisa ortodôntica, tornando-os mais confiáveis e menos tendenciosos, melhorando, dessa forma, a qualidade das futuras publicações nessa área.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Clinical trial protocols are essential documents that serve as a basis for research planning. The Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) statement aimed to increase the transparency and integrity of clinical trial protocols. Objectives: This paper described the main aspects of the SPIRIT, highlighting the importance of using this guideline in Orthodontics. Results: The SPIRIT is composed of 33 items and the diagram, which were presented and explained. Conclusion: The use of the SPIRIT checklist must become essential to increase the transparency and integrity of more reliable and less biased clinical trials in orthodontic research, improving the quality of future publications in this field.

Abstract This bibliometric study analyzed the 100 most-cited papers about the use of lasers and their modalities in dentistry. A search strategy was created using specific keywords related to the topic. A comprehensive search was then conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC) database up to July 2021. Papers that addressed the application of any type of laser and its modalities in dentistry were included. Each paper was cross-matched with the number of citations on Scopus and Google Scholar. The following data were extracted from papers: title, number of citations, authorship, country, year of publication, journal, study design, subject, laser type, and oral health outcomes. The VOSviewer software was used to generate bibliometric networks. The total number of citations ranged from 120 to 4,124 and 23 papers received more than 200 citations. Papers were published from 1964 to 2015. Most papers were from Europe (42%) and Anglo-Saxon America (27%). The USA was the country with more top 100 papers (25%). Papers were published mainly in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (15%) and Lasers in Medical Science (7%). VOSviewer maps demonstrated the existence of national and international research collaborations among institutions and authors. Most studies had a laboratory design (57%) and were about restorative dentistry (32%) and periodontics (21%). This bibliometric study of the top 100 most-cited papers on lasers in dentistry allowed a quantitative and qualitative analysis of this very promising research field, revealing a net of collaboration and the importance of this topic in dentistry.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou validar a versão brasileira da escala tátil RMS (B-RMS-TS) em crianças e adolescentes com deficiência visual. Dez crianças e adolescentes deficientes visuais entre 10 e 17 anos de idade de um Centro Educacional para Pessoas Deficientes Visuais responderam a Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) verbalizada, e a DAS em Braille para avaliar seus níveis de ansiedade odontológica. A validade de construto da B-RMS-TS foi avaliada pela validade convergente e discriminante. A validade convergente foi testada em duas maneiras: correlação de Pearson entre a B-RMS-TS e a questão geral de ansiedade; correlação de Pearson entre a B-RMS-TS e a DAS verbalizada e a DAS em Braille. A confiabilidade da B-RMS-TS foi mensurada pela consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach e ômega de McDonald).) e confiabilidade teste-reteste (CCI). A B-RMS-TS foi correlacionada moderadamente à questão geral de ansiedade (r=0,493;p=0,147). A B-RMS-TS mostrou correlação excelente com a DAS verbalizada (r=0,971;p<0,001) e com a DAS em Braille (r=0,934;p<0,011). A B-RMS-TS foi capaz de discriminar níveis de ansiedade odontológica entre meninos e meninas (p=0,008). A B-RMS-TS demonstrou confiabilidade excelente (alfa de Cronbach=0,661, ômega de McDonald=0,700 e CCI=0,987; 95%IC=0,817-0,999). A B-RMS-TS é válida e confiável para mensurar níveis de ansiedade odontológica em crianças e adolescentes brasileiros com deficiência visual.

Abstract This study aimed to validate the Brazilian version of the RMS Tactile Scale (B-RMS-TS) in children and adolescents with visual impairment. Ten visually impaired children and adolescents between 10 and 17 years old of an Educational Center for Visually Impaired People answered the verbalized Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS), and the DAS in Braille to evaluate their dental anxiety levels. B-RMS-TS construct validity was assessed by convergent and discriminant validity. Convergent validity was tested in two ways: Pearson's correlation between the B-RMS-TS and the overall anxiety question; Pearson's correlation between B-RMS-TS and verbalized DAS and DAS in Braille. B-RMS-TS reliability was measured by internal consistency (Cronbach's alfa and McDonald's omega) and test-retest reliability (ICC). B-RMS-TS was moderately correlated to the overall anxiety question (r=0.493;p=0.147). B-RMS-TS showed excellent correlation with verbalized DAS (r=0.971;p<0.001) and DAS in Braille (r=0.934;p<0.011). B-RMS-TS was able to discriminate dental anxiety levels between male and female (p=0.008). The B-RMS-TS demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha=0.661, McDonald's omega=0.700 and ICC=0.987; 95%CI=0.817-0.999). B-RMS-TS is valid and reliable to measure dental anxiety levels in Brazilian children and adolescents with visual impairment.

Resumo Introdução: a avulsão de dentes decíduos é um evento perturbador e inesperado. Descrição: o presente relato descreve o caso clínico de uma criança de três anos que sofreu avulsão e reimplante dos incisivos centrais superiores decíduos no local do acidente. Os responsáveis procuraram atendimento para a criança na Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais após reimplante. Quatro meses depois, a criança sofreu novo trauma e os dentes reimplantados apresentavam mobilidade avançada, reabsorção radicular e fístula. A conduta clínica foi extração e reabilitação com mantenedor estético fixo. Discussão: a literatura descreve duas opções de tratamento para avulsão de incisivos decíduos: o reimplante e o não reimplante. De acordo com revisão sistemática recente, a dificuldade de se obter um consenso sobre a melhor conduta clínica se deve, em parte, à escassez de publicações que apresentem não apenas acompanhamentos com sucesso clínico, mas também com falhas. O reimplante pode ser influenciado por vários fatores. O tempo decorrido entre o reimplante e a contenção, e o novo episódio de trauma, influenciaram negativamente o prognóstico do presente caso, levando ao insucesso. O reimplante de incisivos decí- duos ainda não é um tratamento baseado em evidências. Portanto, essa opção deve ser escolhida com cautela e em situações ideais. Requer monitoramento clínico e radiográfico para constante avaliação do desfecho.

Abstract Introduction: the avulsion of primary teeth is a disturbing and unexpected event. Description: this report describes the clinical case of a three-year-old child who suffered an avulsion and replantation of the primary upper central incisors at the site of the injury. The guardians sought treatment for the child at the Federal University of Minas Gerais after the replantation. Four months later, the child suffered a new trauma and the replanted teeth presented advanced mobility, root resorption and fistula. The clinical conduct was extraction and rehabilitation with a fixed esthetic maintainer. Discussion: the literature describes two treatment options for avulsion of primary incisors: replantation and non-replantation. According to a recent systematic review, the difficulty in obtaining a consensus regarding the best clinical conduct is due, in part, to the scarcity of publications that present not only follow-ups with clinical success, but also with failures. The outcomes of replantation can be influenced by several factors. The time elapsed between replantation and splinting, and the new episode of trauma, negatively influenced the prognosis in the present case, leading to failure. Replantation of primary incisors is not yet evidence-based treatment. Therefore, this option must be chosen with caution and in ideal situations. It requires constant clinical and radiographic monitoring for evaluation of outcomes.

Abstract: This study aimed to develop and validate the Malocclusion Impact Scale for Early Childhood (MIS-EC), a malocclusion-specific measure of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children aged 3-5 years and their parents/caregivers. A pool of items was analysed to identify those relevant to the assessment of the impact of malocclusion on OHRQoL. Dental professionals and mothers of children with and without malocclusion rated the importance of these items. The final version of the MIS-EC was evaluated in a cross-sectional study comprising 381 parents of children aged 3–5 years to assess construct validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Twenty-two items were identified from item pooling. After item reduction, eight items were chosen to constitute the MIS-EC, in addition to two general questions. The MIS-EC demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.79 for the Child Impact section and 0.53 for the Family Impact section), and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.94), floor effect was 55.7% and ceiling effect 0%. MIS-EC scores indicating worse OHRQoL were significantly associated with the presence of malocclusion (p < 0.05). The MIS-EC is reliable and valid for assessing the impact of malocclusion on the OHRQoL of preschool children and their parents/caregivers.

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the frequency of immediate care seeking after traumatic dental injury (TDI) in primary dentition and its association with the children’s characteristics, socioeconomic status, and TDI characteristics. This was a cross-sectional study with dental records of children aged 9 months to 6 years who attended a reference center in TDI in primary dentition between 2007 and 2018. Immediate care seeking after TDI, child’s characteristics, sociodemographic conditions and TDI characteristics were collected. Descriptive statistics and Poisson regression analysis with robust variance were performed (p < 0.05; 95%CI). Among the 493 dental records, 61.1% (n = 301) were of males and 50.5% (n = 249) were from children aged 2 years or less. More than one third of the sample (36.9%; n = 182) sought immediate care after TDI. Among the types of TDI, the prevalence of soft tissue injuries was 59.0% (n = 291), while 51.7% (n = 255) were hard tissue injuries and 54.0% (n = 266) were supporting tissue injuries. Immediate care seeking after TDI was higher in children who needed suture (PR: 1.39; 95%CI: 1.01–1.92. p = 0.039), had luxation (lateral, intrusion, or extrusion) (PR: 2.36; 95%CI: 1.36–4.08. p = 0.002) or avulsion (PR: 2.18; 95%CI: 1.28–3.70. p = 0.004). The need for suture, luxation (lateral, intrusion and extrusion), and avulsion were determinant factors for the immediate care seeking after TDI, regardless of the child’s characteristics and socioeconomic status.

Resumo Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde Bucal (QVRSB) é um conceito que extrapola uma percepção exclusivamente clínica ao incluir questões funcionais, sociais, emocionais e ambientais. A avaliação da QVRSB representa uma abordagem holística para a pesquisa e prática clínica. O impacto negativo das condições bucais na QVRSB durante a infância pode refletir no desenvolvimento saudável, especialmente em um estágio da vida marcado pela maturação social e cognitiva. Instrumentos vêm sendo desenvolvidos e adaptados transculturalmente para avaliar o impacto das condições bucais na QVRSB de pré-escolares e seus familiares. Algumas características distinguem esses instrumentos e influenciam na seleção, tais como: autorrelato ou relato proxy; condição genérica ou específica; formas longas ou curtas, mais ou menos estabelecidos na literatura. Além disso, a base teórica, a avaliação do construto e a disponibilidade do instrumento também devem ser consideradas. A diversidade de instrumentos indica a evolução dos estudos em QVRSB, mas ainda há questões metodológicas que precisam ser avançadas em futuros desenvolvimentos ou adaptações desses instrumentos, seguindo as atuais evidências psicométricas. O presente estudo objetiva descrever as diferentes abordagens para avaliar a QVRSB de pré-escolares e discutir as perspectivas para futuros instrumentos.

Abstract This study aimed to describe different approaches for the evaluation of the Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschool children and to discuss perspectives for future instruments. The OHRQoL is a concept that surpasses an exclusively clinical perception and includes functional, social, emotional, and environmental issues. The measure of OHRQoL represents a holistic approach for researchers and clinicians extending their visions beyond the mouth and understanding the entire context of the patient. Negative impacts of oral conditions on OHRQoL in childhood can reflect on health development, especially in a life stage marked by social and cognitive maturation. Instruments have been developed and cross-culturally adapted to evaluate the impact of oral conditions on the OHRQoL of preschool children and their families. Some features distinguish these instruments and influence their selection, such as: self- or proxy-report; generic- or specific-condition; long- or short-form, and less or more established used in literature. Moreover, theoretical framework, construct validation and availability should also be considered. Nine OHRQoL instruments for preschool children were included in the present literature review. They were created between 2003 and 2017 by developed countries in most cases. The shorter instrument has five items, and the larger has 31 items. Most of them are proxy-reported, generic-condition, and have been relatively well established in the literature. The diversity of instruments indicates the evolution of OHRQoL studies, but there are methodological issues still in need to be improved in future developments or cross-cultural adaptations, according to current psychometric evidence.

Abstract Recently, there has been greater interest in adopting a more holistic approach to healthcare. However, this trend should not limit itself merely to the notion that a human being lies behind the mouth being treated. Rather, it should embrace the understanding that this human can actively participate in and contribute to the treatment process. Patient Report Outcome Measures (PROMs) and Patient Report Experience Measures (PREMs) provide means for measuring data from the patient’s perspective, and enable health-related feelings and functions to be evaluated. Accordingly, this critical review aims to provide definitions, rationales and applications of patient-centered approaches in dental clinical research. Some patient-centered constructs are especially relevant to dental clinical trials, such as oral health-related quality of life, pain/discomfort, aesthetics and satisfaction concerning treatment and services. The selection and application of patient-reported measures can vary according to condition (generic, disease-specific or treatment-specific) and to the specific population evaluated (age and cognitive impairment). These measures can help weigh risks and benefits, as well as assess the cost effectiveness of treatments, thus influencing treatment recommendations and health policies. The incorporation of these measures into a professional’s daily life not only represents an improvement in professional performance, but also addresses a humanitarian concern.

Resumo O abuso físico de crianças é definido como qualquer ferida não acidental ou omissão dos seus responsáveis que cause risco à sua integridade. Este estudo objetivou avaliar se profissionais de saúde percebem e denunciam o abuso físico em crianças/adolescentes. Um total de 62 profissionais de saúde (odontólogos, médicos e enfermeiros) de Diamantina/MG, que realizam atendimento a crianças e adolescentes, responderam a um questionário. As variáveis coletadas foram relacionadas à identificação de abuso; denúncia às autoridades e dificuldades para a realização da denúncia. Realizou-se análise de frequência, teste do qui-quadrado e análise de conteúdo. Todos os profissionais relataram ter identificado e denunciado a ocorrência de abuso físico em crianças/adolescentes. Associação significativa foi observada entre a especialidade do profissional e o reconhecimento de abuso, bem como a realização de denúncia às autoridades. As principais dificuldades apresentadas para denunciar os casos às autoridades foram: falta de conhecimento na identificação do abuso e em como realizar a denúncia. A maioria dos participantes gostaria de receber treinamento para identificação e denúncia de abuso. Os profissionais de saúde percebem o abuso infantil, sendo os médicos aqueles que mais denunciam os casos.

Abstract Physical abuse of children is defined as any non-accidental injury or omission of their caregivers that causes risk to the child’s integrity. This study aimed to evaluate whether health professionals perceive and report physical abuse in children/adolescents. A total of 62 health professionals (dentists, physicians and nurses) from Diamantina/MG who attend to children and adolescents answered a questionnaire. The collected variables were related to the identification of abuse; denunciation to the authorities and difficulties in making the complaint. Frequency analysis, chi-square test and content analysis were performed. All professionals had identified and reported the occurrence of physical abuse in children/adolescents. Significant association was observed between the specialty of the professional and the recognition of abuse as well as denunciation to the authorities. The main difficulties presented to denounce the cases to the authorities were lack of knowledge in identifying the abuse and how to make the complaint. Most participants expressed that they would like to receive training in identifying and reporting abuse. Health professionals perceive child abuse, and physicians are the ones who most report the cases.

Resumo O abuso físico de crianças é definido como qualquer ferida não acidental ou omissão dos seus responsáveis que cause risco à sua integridade. Este estudo objetivou avaliar se profissionais de saúde percebem e denunciam o abuso físico em crianças/adolescentes. Um total de 62 profissionais de saúde (odontólogos, médicos e enfermeiros) de Diamantina/MG, que realizam atendimento a crianças e adolescentes, responderam a um questionário. As variáveis coletadas foram relacionadas à identificação de abuso; denúncia às autoridades e dificuldades para a realização da denúncia. Realizou-se análise de frequência, teste do qui-quadrado e análise de conteúdo. Todos os profissionais relataram ter identificado e denunciado a ocorrência de abuso físico em crianças/adolescentes. Associação significativa foi observada entre a especialidade do profissional e o reconhecimento de abuso, bem como a realização de denúncia às autoridades. As principais dificuldades apresentadas para denunciar os casos às autoridades foram: falta de conhecimento na identificação do abuso e em como realizar a denúncia. A maioria dos participantes gostaria de receber treinamento para identificação e denúncia de abuso. Os profissionais de saúde percebem o abuso infantil, sendo os médicos aqueles que mais denunciam os casos.

Abstract Physical abuse of children is defined as any non-accidental injury or omission of their caregivers that causes risk to the child’s integrity. This study aimed to evaluate whether health professionals perceive and report physical abuse in children/adolescents. A total of 62 health professionals (dentists, physicians and nurses) from Diamantina/MG who attend to children and adolescents answered a questionnaire. The collected variables were related to the identification of abuse; denunciation to the authorities and difficulties in making the complaint. Frequency analysis, chi-square test and content analysis were performed. All professionals had identified and reported the occurrence of physical abuse in children/adolescents. Significant association was observed between the specialty of the professional and the recognition of abuse as well as denunciation to the authorities. The main difficulties presented to denounce the cases to the authorities were lack of knowledge in identifying the abuse and how to make the complaint. Most participants expressed that they would like to receive training in identifying and reporting abuse. Health professionals perceive child abuse, and physicians are the ones who most report the cases.