James Cook University has adopted a program training dentistry students to identify signs of domestic abuse in their patients.
The program, ‘Domestic violence: recognise, respond, refer’ will train students to detect signs beyond the physical head and neck injuries, including psychological, financial, and emotional factors, says Dr Felicity Croker of James Cook University School of Dentistry.
Dr Croker emphasised dentists are not receiving training in counselling, rather they will act as a channel, referring victims to support services.
If you require support, you can contact the Domestic Violence Hotline on 1800 811 811.