Dentists trained to spot domestic abuse

24 November 2010

DENTISTS are being shown how to spot the signs of domestic abuse as part of a new pilot scheme.

The initiative has been launched in Ayrshire in the west of Scotland in a joint partnership between Strathclyde Police’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and the charity Medics Against Violence (MAV). If successful, the programme will be rolled out nationwide and may even be included in undergraduate training at Scottish dental schools.

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon MSP has welcomed the project, saying: "There are around 50,000 incidents of domestic abuse reported every year. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Many cases will go unreported and undetected, which is why this initiative is so important."

Under the programme, dentists will be trained in how to spot signs of abuse, to reassure patients and encourage them to seek help. Practitioners will be advised to document their findings carefully in the event that the domestic violence case reaches the courts.

Christine Goodall, oral surgeon at Glasgow Dental Hospital and one of the founders of MAV, said dentists would only be expected to “ask a question and show concern” to patients they suspect are being abused, adding: “If a health professional has expressed concern about them, then they are more likely to go and seek help.”

Dentists should give information about support services, such as the domestic abuse helpline number, where patients can seek help. Dr Goodall said the dentist would not be expected to make a referral personally unless there was an immediate threat to safety, for example a partner becoming violent in the practice.

Dr Goodall said: “Victims of domestic abuse often suffer injuries to their teeth, face and neck, so dentists are often the first healthcare professionals they will see.

"We felt it was time to take advantage of this “golden moment” to intervene and help. On average it takes around 35 incidents of abuse before a victim feels able to tell the police or a support service. This is about helping, encouraging and supporting victims to be able to make that call whenever they are ready.”

To find out more about the project click here