Indicators - how a victim/survivor may present in a dental setting

Home: Workers: Medical and Dental Workers: Beyond sexual assault

The most significant differences in the fear/anxiety experienced by victim/survivors of sexual assault in comparasion to patients who have not experienced sexual assault are:

• The sensitivity of the MOUTH area (including neck & head) and what this may consciously or unconsciously signify for a person who has experienced past sexual assault.
• Loss of power and control
• Unpredicatable environment
• Being alone with a person who is in considerable authority (especially male) that is standing over them and in quite close physcial contact.

Victim/survivors may present in some of the following ways. It is important to remember that not all patients who have experienced sexual assault will display these psychological and/or behavioural symptoms in the dental setting.

Psychological/Physiological Indicators

• intense levels of distress and anxiety due to memory triggers
• flashbacks
• dissociation
• highly sensitive to pain
• panic attacks
• embarrassment over oral health status

Behavioural Indicators

• resist opening mouth
• turn head away in opposite direction
• stop dentist by holding arm
• gagging and/or choking
• uncontrollable crying
• inability to keep feet or body still
• anxiety/distressed in waiting room
• requests pain relief for minor procedures (eg. Teeth cleaning)
• attends rarely or for dental emergencies only
• arranging and or keeping appointments: avoidance behaviour

"40% of female victim/survivors cancelled dental appointments due to fear and anxiety." ₁₂

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Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 18 Jul 2008