Beyond the Exam: USask Study Helps Dentists Recognize and Respond to Signs of Domestic Violence
A research study at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is shedding light on the critical, yet often overlooked, role dental professionals can play in identifying and helping patients who are experiencing domestic violence (DV). Given that a significant percentage of physical violence injuries occur on the head, neck, and face—areas routinely examined by dental teams—dentists are uniquely positioned as frontline responders.
The study aims to educate current and future dental professionals on recognizing the subtle and overt signs of domestic violence and establishing effective protocols for intervention and referral.
The Unique Position of Dental Professionals
Dental clinics often provide a consistent healthcare environment where patients are seen regularly over time, allowing the team to observe "red flags" that other healthcare providers might miss. As one of the researchers noted, the complexity of DV means that detection is not just about physical injuries:
Physical Signs: While physical injuries like chipped teeth, unexplained bruises on the jaw or neck, or intra-oral lacerations are key indicators, only a fraction of DV injuries are reported by patients.
Behavioral Signs: Dental teams are also trained to spot behavioral cues, such as:
Anxiety and Fear: Children who are unusually anxious or fearful of the dentist.
Overbearing Partners: A partner who is overly solicitous or insists on being present during the examination.
Non-Compliance: Missed appointments or poor follow-through on treatment plans.
The Intervention Challenge
Statistics show that the prevalence of domestic violence is high—it affects about one in four women—yet a preliminary survey conducted by the USask team found that many dental professionals do not believe they have ever seen a victim. Furthermore, many professionals who do suspect DV are often uncertain about the appropriate action to take. Key barriers include:
Fear of Misinterpretation: Concerns about misinterpreting signs or offending a patient.
Lack of Knowledge: Uncertainty about legal procedures, mandatory reporting requirements, and local support resources for referrals.
Developing a Guide for Action
To address this knowledge gap, the USask research is focused on developing practical guides for clinical settings. The key goal is to move beyond simply identifying the signs to knowing what to do next.
The researchers emphasized the importance of consulting with survivors themselves to ensure the guidance is patient-centered. The resulting guides will help dental professionals:
Identify both physical and behavioral signs.
Approach the survivor sensitively and safely.
Know what kind of referrals are available and what the patient’s rights are.
By integrating standardized DV education into curricula and continuing education, the dental profession can "normalize" intervention and make it a standard part of professional responsibility, ultimately helping patients navigate a pathway to safety and support.
Original Article Details
Original Title: University of Saskatchewan study plans to help dentists recognize signs of domestic violence
Source: Oral Health Group (Content via 620 CKRM)
Publication Date: November 10, 2025