de Jesus Santos Nascimento C T, de Oliveira M N, Vidigal M T C et al. Domestic Violence against Women Detected and Managed in Dental Practice: a Systematic Review. J Fam Violence 2022; DOI: 10.1007/s10896-021-00351-9.

Coming out of COVID-19, an increasing problem

Violence against women is defined as 'any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women...' Female victims of violence are more likely to suffer neck injuries thus clinical examination and history taking at routine dental appointments may identify physical abuse. Violence against women is an underreported crime and with the return of patients post-COVID-19, more victims may attend dental practices with potentially detectable signs of violence.

This review highlighted the lack of knowledge of dental care professionals on the subject. In general, violence against women is not addressed in undergraduate dental and dental hygiene curricula worldwide. Sharing concerns with the patient over alleged signs of violence and signposting to support services available should be done with empathy. Educational strategies are needed to prepare dental care professionals to identify and report suspicious cases.