Citation

Mascarenhas AK, Deshmukh A, Scott T. Br. Dent. J. 2009; 206(3): E5.

Affiliation

Division of Dental Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Health Services Research, 715 Albany Street, 560, 334, Boston, MA 02118, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, British Dental Association)

DOI

10.1038/sj.bdj.2009.7

PMID

19148190

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to describe New England dental professionals' attitudes and behaviours regarding domestic violence (DV) and to identify barriers faced in intervening to help suspected victims.Methods A cross-sectional survey using a convenience sample of dentists (n = 169) and hygienists (n = 190) attending the 2004 Yankee Dental Conference in Boston, MA was conducted. Data were collected using a questionnaire assessing screening practices, actions taken, deterrents in identification and referral, prior DV education and perceived need for DV education. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed.Results Dentists and hygienist were very similar in their attitudes and behaviours regarding DV. Dental professionals who had received prior DV education were more likely to screen for DV (p

Language: en