title: Role of dental professional identification and referral of victims of domestic violence.
abstract: Dental professionals can play an important role in identifying and referring victims of domestic violence. Since most of the injuries sustained by victims occur in the head and neck region, dentists are uniquely positioned to help address this enormous public health issue. Unfortunately, dentists are the least likely of all health professionals to identify and refer victims of abuse. Much of this failure may be attributed to a lack of knowledge. This article provides an overview of the types and indicators of abuse, information about screening and interviewing victims, and referral resources.
authors.affiliation: New York University College of Dentistry, Department of Cariology and Comprehensive Care, New York, NY, USA. mm154@nyu.edu
authors.forename: Maureen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McAndrew
authors.forename: Maria Z
authors.initials: MZ
authors.lastname: Marin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003815:Dentists; D004282:Documentation; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000517:prevention & control; D004552:Elder Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008403:Mass Screening; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D009518:New York; D024382:Professional Role; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D014481:United States