Sitting in the Dentist's Chair Can Trigger Memories of Sexual Abuse, Reveals Study
Dentist Visits Might Trigger Recollections of Traumatic Sexual Abuse, Reveals Recent Study
Sitting back in the dental chair might bring back haunting memories of past sexual abuse for some individuals, according to a groundbreaking study by endodontist Eva Wolf.
Wolf conducted interviews with 13 individuals who had experienced this and found that many feel fearful, skip scheduled appointments, or abandon ongoing treatment.
"The setting at the dentist bears a striking resemblance to past abusive experiences. It's the same helplessness and powerlessness that arises in those situations. By acknowledging these reactions, dental care can play a crucial role in the disclosure of abuse," explains Wolf, an associate professor of endodontics at Malmö University.
Dental education and dental hygienist education, mandated by Swedish Higher Education Ordinance, are among the programs that must educate students about men's violence against women and violence in close relationships.
"Healthcare professionals must stay attentive and be bold enough to ask about exposure to violence, even if it feels uncomfortable. Dentists can then guide patients towards suitable help such as psychologists," Wolf advises.
Wolf notes that the association between the abuse and the dental visit can lead to the patient shutting down mentally, agreeing to anything during the treatment, while maintaining a calm facade.
"It's a terrible situation, and the dental world needs more understanding of what it means when the patient is under our care," she adds.
The research continues, investigating the impact of abuse on overall health, oral health, and life quality, while emphasizing the importance of compassionate care in dentistry.
"The sensation of powerlessness sparks a strong desire for control. The patient needs to know what's happening, who's involved, how it might feel, and how long the procedure will take. Each situation is unique, the patient must be a part of the treatment plan, and agreements should not be broken," Wolf clarifies.
The study was carried out in collaboration with Gisela Priebe, an associate professor at the Department of Psychology at Lund University, and Erin McCarthy, a professor of philosophy at the University of St Lawrence.
"A professional, understanding approach is necessary to receive the patient's story. Maintain calm, and establish clear routines for this. This is vital for the patient to muster the courage to share their story," says Priebe.
Strategies for Addressing Dental Anxiety Tied to Past Sexual Abuse
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Acknowledge that past sexual abuse can lead to dental anxiety or fear due to invasive procedures.
- Foster open communication to understand the patient's specific fears and needs.
- Recognize, respect, and respond to signs of trauma.
- Building Trust
- Communicate each step of the procedure clearly and seek consent before any physical contact.
- Respect personal space and boundaries.
- Specialized Training
- Train dental professionals on recognizing signs of trauma, handling sensitive situations empathetically, and reacting with understanding.
- Ensure cultural competence.
- Creating a Safe Environment
- Consider patients' gender preferences when assigning dental professionals to ensure comfort and safety.
- Encourage a supportive and understanding staff.
- Collaboration and Referral
- Work with mental health professionals when necessary for comprehensive patient support.
- Be prepared to refer patients to counseling services if they require additional support.
By adopting these strategies, dental professionals can create a safe and caring environment for victims of past sexual abuse, helping to reduce dental anxiety and improve patient outcomes.
- The study by endodontist Eva Wolf highlights the need for trauma-informed care in dentistry, acknowledging the potential link between past sexual abuse and dental anxiety.
- Understanding the psychology behind this connection is crucial, as individuals who have experienced sexual abuse might find dental procedures invasive and fearful, which can impact their mental health, relationships, and overall health-and-wellness.
- To address this issue, dental professionals should be trained in psychology and sexual-health education to recognize the signs, foster open communication, and provide empathetic care, ultimately contributing to the patient's mental-health and health-and-wellness improvement.
