Child abuse may be defined as any act of commission that endangers or impairs a child’s physical or emotional health and development. The dentists have a legal obligation to assist in the struggle against child abuse. Detecting child abuse in the dental office from general physical findings, typical oral lesions such as tears of the labial or lingual frenula, oral mucosa torn from gingiva, non vital teeth, lip trauma, soft tissue injuries, fractures and associated facial lesions are explained. The procedures involved in documenting and reporting child abuse are also highlighted.