Family Violence: Implications for Dental Patients and Practice, 3rd Edition

Course overview

Family violence includes child abuse and neglect as well as intimate partner violence (also referred to as domestic violence or spousal abuse). Family violence may also include abuse and neglect of disabled persons (persons with significant physical disabilities or mental or functional impairments), vulnerable adults, and the elderly. All members of the dental team should be knowledgeable about the physical and behavioral signs and symptoms of family violence. They should also know how to assess whether symptoms are indicators of trauma as opposed to normal conditions or accidental injuries. Just as important is the knowledge of how to provide appropriate intervention for victims of any age. In addition, members of the dental team advocate for developing or modifying clinical protocols to include identification and intervention for cases of suspected abuse and neglect. By applying the knowledge of symptomatology obtained in this basic-level course and providing appropriate intervention, every member of the dental team can help stem the epidemic of family violence.