Ask

This includes not only actively asking questions but also listening closely and observing suspicious evidence that can be ascertained during a dental patient’s office visit (or anyone accompanying them). Be free of distractions and sit in a position that is comfortable for the patient. Ideally, it helps to ask these questions when the patient is alone with the dental professional, so they can be asked in a non-threatening, non-judgmental way. If the patient is a non-English speaking patient, use a professional interpreter instead of the person who they brought to the appointment in order to circumvent the partner trying to control the patient.²⁸

• If the patient asks why such questions are necessary, it may help to explain that they are routine screening questions that may not appear to have a relationship with the mouth, but in actuality, they have a significant relationship with oral health.²⁸ Personal safety and well-being are some of those important things. If you live in a state with mandatory reporting requirements, make the patient aware of these beforehand, as they can impact a victim’s decision to disclose abuse. Please note that you need to be prepared to hear the patient’s answers. Caring, empathetic questions may open the door for later disclosure as you build rapport, so it is important to ASK EVERY PATIENT, EVERY TIME. Also, refrain from using language with stigmatizing words, like “rape,” “abuse,” “battered,” or violence” in your questions.²⁸

  • Sample Questions:

    • Do you feel safe at home?

    • In general, how would you describe your relationships with your partner?

    • Has a partner or ex-partner done something to make you feel afraid, like physically hurt you or threatened you?

    • You seem stressed and I noticed you missed your last appointment. Are you ok? Is there anything I can do to help?

    • I don’t know if this is a problem for you, but many of our patients have been dealing with domestic violence, so I started to ask all my patients routinely if they feel safe in their relationships.

    • I see that you are grinding your teeth regularly (or insert any intraoral/extra oral finding). What in your life could cause that?