Domestic abuse experienced by healthcare practitioners: what about dentists and dental care professionals? A systematised review.

Introduction Domestic abuse (DA) is a significant global public health issue. It is recognised that dentists and dental care professionals (DCPs) play a key role in recognising and responding to abuse in patients; however, it is rarely acknowledged that they, personally, may be DA victim/survivors.Method and results A systematised review of the literature found no specific reference to dentists or DCPs as DA victims/survivors. This systematised review focused exclusively on dentists and DCPs and found no papers on the topic of dentists'/DCPs' own lived experiences of DA. In the absence of any evidence specific to this healthcare professional (HCP) group, evidence drawn from other healthcare groups (e.g., nurses, midwives, doctors) is considered as a basis for informing likely impacts of DA on dentists, DCPs and the dental workplace. Dental staff victims/survivors are likely to encounter similar additional barriers to help-seeking as other HCPs. These will be specific to their working role and environment.Discussion and conclusion Employers have a statutory duty to ensure that the working environment is safe and supportive, and this includes considering the impact of DA on their employees. The workplace can play a vital role in supporting dental staff who are DA victims/survivors. Research is needed to understand the prevalence and nature of the lived experience of DA among dentists and DCPs and to address issues specific to dental working environments. DA among staff must be acknowledged by employers of dentists and DCPs both in the NHS and in private healthcare settings to ensure suitable policies, education and training are in place.