Embracing Trauma-Informed Care in Dentistry

Embracing Trauma-Informed Care in Dentistry

As dental professionals, our focus often leans towards perfecting oral health, yet many patients bring emotional challenges into the chair that extend beyond teeth and gums. Understanding and addressing trauma is key to truly supporting their well-being.

Dental visits can trigger fear, anxiety, and discomfort, especially for those who have experienced trauma. Unseen emotional burdens may surface during appointments, causing patients to relive past distressing events through what is called re-traumatisation. These triggers can be as simple as a smell, sound, or a sensation that echoes their trauma. Or, the supine position in the chair with our focus on instruments in their mouth, can evoke historic sexual abuse.

As dental professionals, it is our responsibility to acknowledge this possibility and provide care that promotes both physical and emotional safety. This trauma-informed approach transforms patient care into a truly holistic experience, sensitive to the unique experiences that patients bring with them.

Defining Trauma

Trauma encompasses events that deeply affect a person’s emotional and psychological state, with long-lasting effects on their mental and physical health. It can stem from abuse- physical mental and sexual, neglect, violence, accidents, or other distressing life events. Because trauma touches individuals from all backgrounds, it’s crucial to approach every patient with empathy and understanding, as trauma can manifest in subtle ways.

Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Dental Care

Incorporating trauma-informed practices into dentistry can transform the patient experience. Here are six key principles to guide this approach:

Prioritise Safety

Both emotional and physical safety are fundamental. From the first interaction, create an environment where the patient feels secure and valued. Simple gestures like making eye contact and offering a welcoming introduction set the tone for a trust-based interaction.

Foster Trust and Transparency

Build trust by maintaining open, clear communication. Explain each step of the treatment process and ensure patients feel heard. Respect their privacy and honour your commitments to create a relationship grounded in trust.

Promote Patient Autonomy

Empower patients by involving them in their care decisions. A key part of this is levelling the power dynamic—sitting at eye level and maintaining open, two-way conversations shows respect and promotes collaboration. Don’t take a dictatorial  or judgemental approach.

Encourage Collaboration

Recognise the limits of your role and when a patient might need additional help. Working closely with other healthcare professionals ensures that patients receive the comprehensive care they need.

Cultural Sensitivity

Be mindful of how trauma can be compounded by cultural, racial, and gender factors. Approach each patient’s experience with empathy, avoiding assumptions, and tailoring care to their specific needs.

Focus on Strengths

Rather than centering on a patient’s fears or limitations, highlight their courage and resilience. Commend their effort to attend a dental appointment despite their anxieties, creating a space of empowerment and positivity.

Cultivating a Safe and Supportive Environment

Creating a “safe space” for patients goes beyond clinical precision. A trauma-informed dental practice encourages patients to feel comfortable, seen, and respected. When patients trust you with their vulnerabilities, they can more easily confront their fears and take steps toward healing.

This kind of care can also be as simple as:

•    Listening attentively without standing over them while they are reclined in the chair.
•   Making eye contact and respecting their space, even when they avoid it.
•   Acknowledging signs of distress and offering reassurance, such as a drink of water or a calming conversation.
•   Providing privacy when necessary or using professional interpreters when language barriers exist.

Transforming the Dental Experience

Trauma-informed care isn't just about treating oral health—it’s about fostering trust and providing compassionate care that can help patients heal emotionally as well. By taking the time to listen, empathise, and accommodate the unique needs of each patient, dental professionals can create a profound, healing experience.

The dental chair is not just a place of physical healing but can also be a space of emotional growth, where patients feel empowered and supported on their journey toward well-being.

Begin each session with your patient sitting face to face at eye level- and listen.