Domestic violence routine screening in a public dental hospital

INTRODUCTION: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health issue and leading cause of early death for women in Australia and internationally. Implementation of Domestic Violence Routine Screening (DVRS) in public health settings has been found as an effective way to identify IPV and offer support. AIMS AND SETTING: To evaluate DVRS implementation in adult and paediatric clinics of a public dental hospital in Sydney, Australia, from January 2023 until February 2024. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study where eligible women were screened for IPV using a tool adapted from standardised screening tools for use across multiple public health services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographic, medical, dental, psycho-social data and emergency department presentations were analysed from health records. RESULTS: The study clinics cared for 10,197 women and 5597 carers over 13-months. In the 6-months post implementation, IPV disclosure increased by 529% (7-44 cases). By month 13, the IPV disclosure rate was 11% (n = 85). Screening did not impede the dental appointment. All women who disclosed IPV were offered referral to support and 36 women (42%) accepted. CONCLUSION: DVRS implementation resulted in an IPV disclosure rate comparable to other public health services where DVRS is mandatory. Public dental services can play an important role in screening and supporting women who have or are experiencing IPV.