James Cook University (JCU) has launched a groundbreaking set of tools designed to assist dentists across Australia in recognizing and responding to patients affected by domestic and sexual violence (DSV), enabling professionals to handle such situations effectively.
Developed by experts from JCU’s Dentistry and Social Work departments, the initiative includes educational videos and documents that focus on trauma-informed care, as well as legal and ethical considerations.
The resources offer role-playing scenarios, strategies for working with First Nations Australians, and best practices to avoid unintended consequences when assisting victim-survivors.
This comprehensive approach aims to equip both dentistry students and practicing professionals with the skills needed to handle these sensitive situations effectively.
Felicity Croker, JCU Dentistry Adjunct Associate Professor, says that many JCU students have encountered patients showing signs of domestic and sexual violence, stressing the need for specialized training to manage these complex cases.
“One of our goals with these resources is to extend their use beyond our own students and clinical supervisors, reaching other dental schools and practitioners across the country,” Croker said. “JCU was the first in Australia to integrate a domestic and sexual violence program into its dentistry curriculum because our students encountered such cases during their placements and were unsure how to respond.”
The program is now a part of the third year and beyond of the JCU Dentistry curriculum and is also utilized by affiliated dental practitioners. The Australian Dental Council has since made it a requirement for all graduates to demonstrate competency in recognizing, assessing, and responding to domestic and family violence.
JCU Social Work Senior Lecturer Dr. Ann Carrington highlighted the unique role dentists play in providing support. “Dentists often work in environments that might be challenging for victim-survivors to disclose their experiences. We want students and practitioners to develop the skills to listen effectively, assess risks, and respond appropriately without further traumatizing the patient.”
Dr. Carrington also emphasized the importance of trauma-informed practice, which acknowledges the potentially triggering nature of recounting traumatic experiences and offers guidance on handling these situations with sensitivity.
JCU Dentistry graduate Dr. Alex Dancyger praised the new resources as transformative. “While I received foundational training at JCU, I had limited exposure to patients who had experienced DSV during my studies. After graduating and working rurally, these resources have been invaluable. They give me the confidence to navigate delicate situations and provide appropriate support to my patients.”