The California Dental Practice Act _ ____________________________________________________________
• I don’t know if this is a problem for you, but many of my patients are dealing with abusive relationships. Some are too afraid or uncomfortable to bring it up themselves, so I’ve started asking about it routinely. • Violence affects many families. Violence in the home may result in physical and emotional problems for you and your child. We are offering services to anyone who may be concerned about violence in their home. When working cross-culturally, it is helpful to learn the collo- quialisms used to describe abuse. For example, in some Latino cultures “disrespected me” refers to intimate partner violence or sexual assault [30]. If abuse is suspected and there is a cul- tural disconnect, consider the assistance of a knowledgeable co-worker, who may be able to act as a cultural broker. CONCLUSION Although its primary objective is to safeguard the public, the California Dental Practice Act is an excellent resource for den- tal professionals to ensure compliance with state law. Dental professionals with a good knowledge of the Dental Practice Act and its effects on dental care will practice legally and safely.
Alternately, lines of direct questioning may be used [31]: • Are you afraid of your partner? Do you feel you are in danger? • You mentioned your partner’s problem with temper/ stress/drinking. When that happens, has he ever threatened or hurt you? • Every couple fights at times – what are your fights like at home? Do the fights ever become physical? • Have you been hit or scared since the last time I saw you? • Has anyone at home hit you or tried to injure you in any way? • What kinds of experiences with violence have you had in your life? • Do you feel controlled or isolated by your partner? • Does your partner ever try to control you by threatening to hurt you or your family? • Has anyone close to you ever threatened or hurt you? • Does your partner ever hit, kick, hurt or threaten you? • Have you ever been slapped, pushed or shoved by your partner? • Have you ever been touched in a way that made you feel uncomfortable? • Has anyone ever made you to do something sexual when you did not want to? • Has your partner ever refused to practice safe sex? It is up to the practitioner’s judgment which line of question- ing to employ. Remember that the objectives are to advocate for and protect the patient. The questions can be framed in a way that does not cause a patient to feel singled out [31]: • Because unfortunately violence is so common in our society, I have started asking all of my patients about it. • Because domestic violence has so many effects on health, I now ask all my patients about it. • From past experience with other patients, I’m concerned that some of your medical problems may be the result of someone hurting you. Is that happening?
RESOURCES
California Dental Practice Act https://www.dbc.ca.gov/about_us/lawsregs/ laws.shtml California Dental Association https://www.cda.org Dental Hygiene Board of California https://dhbc.ca.gov
WORKS CITED https://uqr.to/CA_DPAct
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