Dental Neglect in Children-An Obscure Enigma

Despite childhood being now comprehended as an amalgam of independent personality and universally protected rights, neglect towards child rights is pervasive across nationalities with medical neglect, including dental neglect, being a critical manifestation. Dental neglect is understood as the willful failure of the parent or guardian to seek and follow through with treatment necessary to ensure a level of oral heath essential for adequate function and freedom from pain and infection. The lack of diligence in provision of dental care to a child may possible be a function of socio-economic and behavioural factors. The present book shall aim to determine the prevalence and causality of dental neglect in the spectrum of medical, parental or individual negligence and also examine the national legislations, policies and programmes crafted for its redressal.