A qualitative study of dentists' and dental students' preparedness to support patients with lived experience of intimate partner violence and abuse

Introduction Intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) is a public health crisis with long-term implications for an individual's mental and physical health. IPVA can result in head and neck trauma, including oral injuries, placing dentists in a unique position to be able to identify at-risk patients. It is therefore important to understand any barriers dentists may experience when supporting IPVA patients.Aims The aim of this study was to explore whether dentists and dental students are prepared to support patients with lived experience of IPVA.Method This study adopted a qualitative cross-sectional research design using focus groups and interviews. Data were collected using the principles of grounded theory and analysed using thematic analysis.Results Data were collected from 14 dentists and 22 dental students showing that they did not feel confident or prepared in identifying and responding to patients they suspected were experiencing IPVA. Barriers included a lack of practical knowledge and fear of 'getting it wrong', resulting in professional paralysis.Conclusion Improving current safeguarding educational frameworks at both the undergraduate and postgraduate stage could be key to improving the confidence and practical knowledge of dental practitioners.