How Can Dental Professionals Better Identify, Report, Refer, Treat, and Support Domestic Abuse Victims? An International Multidisciplinary Qualitative Study
Ana Beatriz Cantao, Liran LevinABSTRACT
Background
Domestic abuse (DA) is a global public health issue with significant oral and maxillofacial consequences. Dental professionals often encounter clinical signs of DA in clinical settings. However, barriers such as lack of training, uncertainty about reporting obligations, and limited referral pathways contribute to missed opportunities for intervention.
Objectives
This study explored how dental professionals can more effectively identify, report, refer, treat, and support DA victims, based on perspectives from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare, legal, and social service professionals.
Methods
A qualitative design was employed with purposive sampling of professionals from the fields of dentistry, psychology, medicine, social work, and law across multiple countries. Semi‐structured virtual interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis framework. NVivo 15 software supported coding and theme development.
Results
Seven themes emerged from the analysis of the 25 interviews conducted. (1) Professional Roles and Collaboration : Dentists were viewed as frontline identifiers of DA, requiring strong interprofessional support. (2) Identification : Common indicators included orofacial trauma, bruising, anxiety, and withdrawal from appointments. (3) Barriers : Lack of training and diagnostic uncertainty hindered detection. (4) Legal/Ethical Responsibilities : Participants highlighted confusion regarding confidentiality, documentation, and mandatory reporting, which varies internationally. (5) Survivor‐Centered and Trauma‐Informed Care : Creating safe, empathetic environments was seen as critical to fostering trust. (6) Resources and Referrals : Professionals reported fragmented pathways of care and limited awareness of community support services. (7) Training and Capacity Building : Participants emphasized the urgent need for structured DA training, simulation exercises, and protocols specific to dentistry.
Conclusions
Dental professionals are uniquely positioned to identify and respond to DA through early recognition of clinical signs. However, systemic gaps in education, reporting guidance, and interprofessional collaboration limit their role. Strengthening training, developing referral networks, and adopting survivor‐centered, trauma‐informed approaches are essential to support dentists in addressing DA effectively.