Domestic Violence

Course overview

Course Description Domestic violence is a health care problem of epidemic proportions in Florida and throughout the country. Dentists are being called upon to routinely screen their patients for signs of domestic violence just as they screen patients for high blood pressure or head and neck cancer. This screening activity can save lives by providing abuse victims with protection before they become a fatality. The oral health team is required to report suspected incidents of abuse or neglect involving children and vulnerable adults to the Florida Department of Children and Families for proper investigation. This course is intended to provide the oral health team with the information they need to begin screening patients for signs of domestic violence. In addition it offers guidelines for interviewing patients who are suspected victims of domestic violence and it explains the reporting process.