Propel. Connect. Smile.

Psychological trauma and abuse are very common but hidden causes of dental anxiety and phobia, so it’s critical that we keep them in mind. They also affect parental anxiety and behaviour.

The most common age group of sexual assault victims in Australia is 10-17 and 75% of the physical injuries from family violence involve the head, neck, face, and mouth. Dental appointments often trigger memories of sexual assault to resurface as they have many similarities. We have an ethical obligation to recognise these patients, and our help could be lifesaving. We also have a unique opportunity to help in restoring patients’ confidence and self-worth, which can profoundly transform their lives.

This presentation will guide you through the issues and how we can address them. You’ll gain an understanding of why survivors struggle with dental visits, the scope of the issues, how trauma impacts oral health, how survivors of different ages present to us, and what to look out for in your patients.

We’ll explore the trauma-informed framework, including how to build trust and safety, collaborate with, and empower our patients. And clinical strategies for working with survivors for the whole dental team, helping you to feel more confident and competent to sensitively handle the complexities involved in this confronting area.”