Being considerate every step of the way: a qualitative study analysing trauma‐sensitive dental treatment for childhood sexual abuse survivors

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to obtain a deeper understanding of what makes adult dentistry possible for child sexual abuse survivors. Sixteen adult informants were recruited from four Centres against Sexual Abuse and interviewed. Qualitative analysis of the transcribed interviews was conducted consecutively until thematic saturation was reached at 16 informants. A conceptual framework was generated, and informants' experiences of what makes dental treatment achievable were summed as the dentist working in a trauma-sensitive way, captured by the core category: Being considerate every step of the way. The underlying categories are: (i) offering a good start; (ii) being competent; (iii) being aware of the influence of staff behaviour; (iv) building a safe relationship; (v) arranging a secure treatment situation; and (vi) exploring individual triggers. The findings revealed that dental staff should have adequate competence to build secure relationships and explore individual triggers in dental treatment situations when treating child sexual abuse survivors. Dentists should have a trauma-sensitive approach to all patients. When treating child sexual abuse survivors, dentists should demonstrate utmost consideration every step of the way, building long-term solid relationships, and discussing and testing coping strategies individually adapted to the specific needs of the child sexual abuse survivors, in a safe environment.

Preparing for attack and recovering from battle: Understanding child sexual abuse survivors' experiences of dental treatment

“…In the second study, the dental perspective focused on what makes adult dentistry possible for CSA survivors. This analysis supported a trauma‐sensitive approach by dentists 16 …”

“…Clinician's interpersonal approach ought to include specific communication and behaviour skills which decrease the patient's experiences of being invaded, trapped and objectified. By meeting the expressed needs of CSA survivors reported in our second study, 16 the different traumatic couplings might be reduced, and the sense of being attacked during dental treatment might diminish.…”

“…A few informants managed to engage in dental treatment with no anxiety. All of them described having a long‐lasting and safe relationship with the dentist 16 …”

“…This study is part of a multidisciplinary study 14‐16 . All informants were recruited through four Centres Against Sexual Abuse (SMSO).…”

Adaptation measures in dental care for children with history of Adverse Childhood Experiences: A practical proposal

“…While such a visit may not be possible in cases of emergencies, if the context allows, it is important to have a familiarization visit so that the patient can be introduced to the dental setting 36 . Such a visit is suggested even in pediatric patients without a history of ACEs, and in patients with such a history, it may be even more useful and informative.…”