Culturally competent responses for identifying and responding to domestic violence in dental care settings

Dental care providers can play an important role in identifying and preventing intimate partner violence. Many victims of domestic violence interact with dental care providers, including dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, thus placing dental professionals in a unique position to screen for early identification and even primary prevention of abuse. An effective and successful response to intimate partner violence in a dental care setting involves creating a safe and culturally competent environment for screening and disclosure, giving supportive messages to victims, educating patients about abuse and connection to health, offering strategies to promote safety, and informing clients about relevant community resources.