By Tanesha McDonald, Chief Program Officer
Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence
This article first appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Today’s FDA.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a widespread yet often hidden public health crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 41% of women and nearly 26% of men in the United States have experienced IPV in their lifetime, including physical violence, sexual violence or stalking.¹ Despite its prevalence, IPV frequently goes undetected in health care settings, including dental care, where opportunities for early identification and intervention exist.
For dental radiography professionals, the connection is vital. Up to 75% of physical abuse injuries are directed at the head, face and neck² — areas routinely examined during dental imaging procedures. Injuries such as facial fractures, dental trauma or repeated oral injuries with inconsistent explanations may be signs of abuse. Yet, studies show that fewer than 1% of dental providers recognize suspected IPV, often due to a lack of training or uncertainty about how to respond.³
The Unique Role of Dental Radiography Staff
Dental radiographers play a pivotal role in the care team — not just by capturing diagnostic images but also being attentive observers. Radiography appointments often provide a quiet, one-on-one interaction with patients, creating a window of opportunity to notice both physical signs and behavioral cues of abuse.
Signs to be aware of include:
- Recurrent facial injuries, especially on the same side of the face
- Fractures or trauma inconsistent with reported causes
- Anxiety, fearfulness or reluctance to speak, particularly when accompanied by a partner
- Hesitation or deflection when asked about injuries
These signs alone do not confirm, but they should prompt a closer look with a trauma-informed, compassionate approach.
Creating a Supportive Response
Responding to IPV in a health care setting doesn’t require being an expert — it requires awareness, empathy and a connection to resources. The National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence, coordinated by Futures Without Violence, offers comprehensive training materials, clinical tools and referral resources specifically designed for health care providers, including dental professionals.⁴
Here are practical steps dental radiography team members can take:
- Educate yourself on IPV dynamics and health care-based interventions.
- Create private moments during appointments to speak with patients confidentially, away from accompanying individuals.
- Use supportive language such as, “Because violence is so common, we ask all patients about safety at home.”
- Know your local referral network, including domestic violence hotlines and community-based support organizations.
You Are Part of the Safety Net
IPV can have devastating effects on oral health and overall well-being. Survivors often suffer in silence, and a compassionate conversation in a dental chair may be the first step toward getting help. Dental radiography staff — by staying observant, informed and nonjudgmental — are uniquely positioned to offer a lifeline to patients who may not feel safe anywhere else.
You can help identify IPV early, connect patients to support and contribute to a health care system that promotes safety and healing for all. If a patient discloses abuse, thank them for sharing, validate that the abuse is not their fault, and provide them with the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800.500.1119 (available 24/7). It is also recommended that you familiarize yourself with your local certified domestic violence center at fpedv.org/get-help/, which can offer emergency shelter and additional nonresidential services.
Sources
¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/index.html
² Futures Without Violence. National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence. futureswithoutviolence.org/initiative/national-health-resource-center-on-domestic-violence
³ Hsieh, N.K. et al. (2006). “Addressing Intimate Partner Violence in the Dental Setting.” Journal of Dental Education
⁴ National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Futures Without Violence. ipvhealth.org
FPEDV is Florida’s federally designated domestic violence coalition, dedicated to creating a future free from domestic violence through advocacy, education and support for service providers. As a statewide leader, FPEDV works to strengthen the capacity of domestic violence centers and community organizations by offering comprehensive technical assistance, training and resources. Visit www.fpedv.org for more information and resources.
Tanesha McDonald is Chief Program Officer
for the Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence.
She can be reached at taneshamcdonald@fpedv.org.
Beyond the Bite 