Improving Dental Care for those exposed to Sexual Abuse

For many people, a trip to the dentist can be nerve-wracking and mildly unpleasant, but for those exposed to sexual abuse it can be a deeply distressing experience that triggers overwhelming fear, anxiety, and physical symptoms. Despite oral health being essential for our overall wellbeing, many struggle to seek the dental care they need, leading to long-term health and quality of life consequences. Dr Eva Wolf from Malmö University, in Sweden, has led a team of researchers to help further understand the connections between a history of sexual abuse and fear of dental care, as well as how dentists can use a trauma-informed, patient-centred approach to better support these people.