Dentists dealing with DV now have a new guide

Dentists who see signs of domestic violence in patients now have clearer legal guidance on how to respond, thanks to a new publication collaboratively developed by James Cook University, North Queensland Women’s Legal Service and Be Conscious – trauma and domestic violence specialist.

Domestic Violence and Dental Professionals: A Legal Guide is being released for May’s Domestic Violence Prevention Month.

Associate Professor Felicity Croker, from JCU’s College of Medicine and Dentistry, said dental professionals are often uniquely positioned to identify signs of domestic and family violence, yet many feel unsure about the appropriate next steps.

“There was a clear need for a dentistry-specific legal guidance to support practitioners responding to patients experiencing violence,” said Dr Croker.

“This led to our collaboration with the North Queensland Women’s Legal Service and Be Conscious to produce Australia’s first legal guide for dental professionals responding to domestic and family violence.”

Co-author Dr Alex Dancyger, Senior Lecturer at JCU Dentistry, said the guide translates complex legal frameworks into practical, usable advice.

“Responding to domestic and family violence requires both a trauma informed and legally sound approach. The guide provides a clear legal lens, helping dentists balance patient autonomy and safety with professional obligations,” said Dr Dancyger.

Co-author Dr Ann Carrington a social worker specialising in complex trauma and domestic violence, said the guide places a strong emphasis on practical, trauma-informed care within dental settings.

“It helps dentists understand that legal responses to domestic and family violence should support victim-survivors without undermining their agency,” said Dr Carrington.

Associate Professor Croker said the legal guide is a first-of-its-kind in Australia.

“This guide builds on the suite of industry-leading Dentistry-specific Domestic and Sexual Violence resources. It is the product of over a decade of our collaborative experience with domestic training for dental students and practitioners across the sector.”

North Queensland Women’s Legal Service representative Ashleigh Lawrence said the organisation sees firsthand the complex legal and safety issues experienced by victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

“Dental professionals are often among the first to identify possible signs of violence because they regularly examine areas commonly impacted by abuse.

“The guide recognises dentists as important contributors to domestic and family violence identification and response. It strengthens their role within multidisciplinary, trauma-informed systems and supports safer, more informed outcomes for patients experiencing violence,” said Ms Lawrence.

All proceeds from the sale of the guide are donated to North Queensland Women’s Legal Service, meaning the guide not only helps dental professionals better support patients experiencing domestic and family violence, but also contributes directly to victim-survivors accessing vital legal and support services.

The guide is available online here.