Wanda G. Wright, RN, DDS, MS¹, Jeffrey Chaffin, DDS, MPH², and Ana Karina Mascarenhas, BDS, DrPh¹. (1) Goldman School of Dental Medicine Department of Health Policy & Health Services Research, Boston University, 715 Albany Street, 560,3rd floor #342, Boston, MA 02118, 617-638-4914, wgwright@bu.edu, (2) U.S. Army DENCOM, 2050 Worth Road, San Antonio, TX 78234

Objectives: To assess military oral health providers’ attitudes and behaviors regarding domestic violence and to describe barriers they face in intervening to help suspected victims. The results will be used to improve implementation of the Prevent Abuse and Neglect through Dental Awareness program (PANDA), the newest initiative to the US Army Dental Command’s Health Promotion and Disease Prevention program, and to help plan future oral health prevention and promotion programs. Methods: The sample consisted of military oral health providers attending a health prevention and promotion training program. Data were collected using a pilot-tested questionnaire. All attendees to the training seminar were asked to complete the questionnaire prior to the initiation of the training and six months after the training. The data was analyzed using Epi-info, Fisher’s exact test were performed. Results: Only 27% of the responding dentists were familiar with military regulation governing abuse and neglect. Although 77% of responding dentists indicated prior training in abuse and neglect, 53% were interested in additional educational training regarding domestic violence. Approximately 50% of dentists did not screen for domestic violence when there were injuries to the head or neck or when multiple injuries were present and 50% of the respondents identified major deterrents in identifying and referring victims of domestic violence. Conclusions: These results indicate a need for ongoing education for dental professionals in areas of recognition and reporting of abuse in the dental environment.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Describe the purpose of and need for the PANDA program.
• Describe three barriers dentists and dental hygienists face in intervening to help suspected domestic violence victims.

Keywords: Domestic Violence, Oral Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.