Domestic and sexual violence resources for oral health professionals

Dental health professions have an important role in identifying and supporting people experiencing or at risk of harm from domestic and sexual violence (DSV). We have previously highlighted the work of James Cook University (JCU) with reference to their ‘Dentists and Domestic Violence – Recognise, Respond and Refer’ program.

To ensure dentists have the required skills and knowledge to recognise and refer at-risk patients appropriately using a trauma-informed approach, JCU has recently published a comprehensive suite of dentistry-specific video and print resources for oral health professionals.

Each educational resource includes a video scenario that demonstrates key skills and concepts through role plays between dental practitioners and patients who are victim-survivors of DSV. Print resources supplement the video content and include information on foundational concepts, resources and questions for reflection.

Topics covered in the online videos include:

• The basics
• The full skill set
• Trauma-informed approach
• Legal and ethical considerations
• Working with First Nations Australians
• Considering unintended consequences.

JCU states, ‘The overarching aim of this suite of dentistry-specific educational resources is to collaboratively train dental students on how to recognise, respond and refer patients who are victim-survivors of DSV’.

The educational resources align with competency 2.4 of the ADC’s Professional competencies of the newly qualified dental practitioner, which notes practitioners must be competent to ‘recognise, assess, and respond to domestic and family violence risk, prioritise safety, provide information, and refer as required’.

These resources aim to grow the capacity of the dental workforce to effectively support people experiencing DSV and have the potential to improve patient outcomes significantly.