Each night more than 400 North Carolina women and their children seek shelter from a state supported domestic violence program. For more statistics about domestic violence view this fact sheet . There are numerous cues that dentists or dental professionals can look for when a patient visits them for an emergency or a routine cleaning. Lisa M. Angel , partner in the Rosen Law Firm and board certified family law specialist, spoke about the legal aspects of screening and referral, and Dr. Debra Sacco , UNC professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, spoke about the clinical aspects of screening and referral. Domestic violence is a no longer hush hush topic for dentists, though a patients' privacy still needs to be protected.
Dentists can help break the silence and prevent further violence.
A s a dental professional, you have the opportunity and the responsibility to screen for domestic violence and to refer your patients to organizations and people who can help them.