Understanding Survivors of Childhood Abuse

Credit Details
This electronically delivered self-instructional program is designated for 1.5 hours of CE credit by Farran Media.
AGD Code: 155.

There is no fee to view this course. There is a fee of $36 to take the exam and claim CE credits for this course.

Synopsis:
This course provides insight into the failure of some patients to seek dental treatment or perform adequate self-care, and the relationship to mental health issues caused by childhood abuse. The incidence and the reasons for underreporting of childhood violent abuse and sexual abuse is discussed. Common triggers that are likely to cause flashbacks and anxiety are discussed, as well as the principles of “sensitive practice,” which can foster a patient’s feelings of safety during dental appointments and facilitate compliance. We also discuss why sensitive practice should be a standard of care for all patients.

Educational Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Discuss the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and dental phobia.
• Describe the factors that contribute to underreporting of childhood sexual abuse.
• Be aware of the possible triggers that could cause flashbacks and anxiety during a dental appointment, and how to minimize them during treatment.
• Discuss survivor issues that could impede self-care or attendance for dental care.
• Describe strategies to allay abuse-related fear during treatment and facilitate compliance.
• Describe and implement the principles of “sensitive practice” and motivational interviewing.

Description of Speaker:
Hygienetown clinical director Linda M. Douglas graduated as a dental hygienist from the Royal Dental Hospital in London in 1982. After graduation she worked in periodontology before moving to Toronto, where she has worked in private practice since 1990. Her desire to support dry-mouth patients has instigated an in-depth study of xerostomia and its related pathologies. She teaches a CE course on xerostomia management at RDHU, a dental hygiene professional development center near Toronto.

Disclosure:
The speaker declares that neither she nor any member of hrt family have a financial arrangement or affiliation with any corporate organization offering financial support or grant monies for this continuing dental education program nor has a financial arrangement with any product or service mentioned in this course.

Legal Disclaimer:
The CE provider (Farran Media) uses reasonable care in selecting and providing content that is accurate. The CE provider, however, does not independently verify the content or materials. The CE provider does not represent that the instructional materials are error-free or that the content or materials are comprehensive. Any opinions expressed in the materials are those of the author of the materials and not the CE provider. Completing one or more continuing education courses does not provide sufficient information to qualify the participant as an expert in the field related to the course topic or in any specific technique or procedure. The instructional materials are intended to supplement, but are not a substitute for, the knowledge, expertise, skill and judgment of a trained health care professional.

Licensure:
Continuing education credits issued for completion of online CE courses may not apply toward license renewal in all licensing jurisdictions. It is the responsibility of each registrant to verify the CE requirements of his/her licensing or regulatory agency.

State CE Requirements:
Click Here for CE requirements by state. Please note that this information is current as of the time of listing. This information is subject to change at any time from the state boards. For the most up-to-date information, please contact your state board directly.

Refund Policy
There are no refunds for Online CE courses. Please contact technical support if you run into technical difficulty.

For any questions, please contact Nareg Apelian, DMD, Director of Continuing Education at nareg@farranmedia.com