Transforming Dentistry: Making it Safer and More Trauma-Informed for Survivors
Lying vulnerable in a chair as someone pokes around your mouth with sharp implements is unpleasant for most people. For those who have suffered trauma, it can be immensely triggering. However, new forms of dentistry are hoping to change that by adopting a more trauma-informed approach. This approach is gaining traction as it recognizes the links between oral health and both physical and psychological trauma.
Gina, a 58-year-old ceramics artist and environmental volunteer from Victoria, Australia, has experienced the long-lasting effects of childhood abuse on her dental health. As a coping mechanism, she developed teeth grinding and turned to sweet food for comfort. Depression further hindered her ability to take care of her teeth, leading to gum disease and tooth loss. Due to feelings of worthlessness stemming from the abuse, Gina’s dental care was sporadic, and she went 15 years without seeing a dentist.
However, when the pain became unbearable, Gina was referred to a dentist known for their sensitivity towards patients who have experienced trauma. This experience was transformational for Gina. The dentist, Sharonne Zaks, immediately put her at ease by explaining each step, seeking her consent, and engaging in collaborative communication. Unlike previous dentists who treated her as merely a set of teeth, Zaks acknowledged Gina’s presence and made her feel safe in the dental chair. This sense of genuine care had a profound impact on Gina’s healing process, not just in terms of her dental work but also in her overall well-being.
Gina’s story is not unique. In Australia, an estimated 11% of the population experiences Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives. Additionally, 75% of adults in the country experience a traumatic event. The statistics are similar in the United States, where around 7% of adults have PTSD, and half of all adults will experience trauma in their lifetime.
Sharonne Zaks is at the forefront of a movement to bring a trauma-informed approach to dentistry. Recognizing the distressing nature of dental visits for individuals who have experienced violence or assault, Zaks implements various strategies to make her patients feel safe and comfortable. She doesn’t directly ask about trauma experiences but provides patients with the opportunity to share any relevant information privately. Zaks also makes small adjustments tailored to each patient’s preferences, such as positioning other people in the room differently or allowing patients to lie flat during the entire visit. She is mindful of the heightened gag reflex in patients who have experienced oral assault.
Moreover, Zaks prioritizes respectful and collaborative communication with her patients. She explains each procedure, seeks consent throughout, and provides information about the expected duration of the treatment. This approach helps alleviate anxiety and feelings of helplessness associated with dental visits.
The concept of trauma-informed care extends beyond dentistry and has been shown to improve patient outcomes in various medical fields. The Texas Association of Community Healthcare Centres (TACHC) in the United States is actively collecting data on patient outcomes as it expands its training on trauma-informed approaches. This training is not limited to frontline healthcare workers but also includes back-office staff. By integrating trauma-informed principles into their practice, healthcare professionals can create a compassionate environment that benefits all patients.
However, implementing a trauma-informed approach in dentistry faces certain barriers. Dentists often struggle with time constraints and may find it challenging to spend more time with each patient. Additionally, the cost of sensitive dental care can be prohibitive for some individuals. To address these issues, Sharonne Zaks is working on opening a trauma-informed dental service with a social enterprise model. This model would reward preventative dentistry measures and prioritize relationship building over the traditional fee-for-service model that focuses on efficiency and productivity.
Efforts to expand the trauma-informed approach in dentistry are gaining momentum. Sharonne Zaks has been giving lectures, developing curricula, and creating resources in collaboration with sexual assault support organizations. In the United States, TACHC and the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health have created an online course for dental professionals on trauma-informed oral healthcare.
Gina’s experience with trauma-informed dental care has had a profound impact on her life. She now feels empowered to advocate for herself and hopes that others will have access to the same kind of care. She believes that trauma-informed dentistry should be a standard part of every medical practitioner’s training, considering the prevalence of trauma in society.
As the movement towards trauma-informed dentistry continues to grow, it is essential to address systemic issues in dental care financing. Reforms are needed to ensure that sensitive dental care is accessible and affordable for all individuals. By investing in relationships and building trust, dental professionals can ultimately save time and improve patient outcomes.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the issues raised in this article, there are resources available for support. Rape Crisis
