Survivors of domestic violence often carry more than emotional scars. Many also face ongoing health challengesdental care included. Unfortunately, for some survivors, the dental chair can trigger feelings of vulnerability, fear, and trauma-related anxiety. From the sound of equipment to the proximity of the provider, dental environments can unintentionally mirror past abuse, making it difficult for survivors to seek routine care.
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we believe trauma-informed dentistry is essential to creating a safe, healing experience for all patientsespecially those with a history of domestic violence. In this blog, we explore the unique relationship between domestic abuse and dental anxiety, how providers can offer trauma-sensitive support, and what survivors can do to reclaim their oral health with confidence and control.
The Link Between Domestic Violence and Dental Anxiety
Domestic violence is more than physical harmit includes emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse. Survivors often face:
Invasive contact without consent
Loss of bodily autonomy
Physical injuries to the head, neck, or face
Ongoing hypervigilance or PTSD
For many, the dental setting can replicate feelings from abusive experiences:
Being reclined or physically restrained
Having objects placed in the mouth without control
Not being able to speak or stop the procedure at will
Feeling exposed, judged, or powerless
These triggers can lead to intense anxiety, avoidance of care, and deteriorating oral healthespecially when past injuries or trauma were never properly treated.
Common Challenges Survivors Face in the Dental Chair
Survivors of abuse often report the following when attempting to seek dental care:
Fear of pain or re-traumatization
Dissociation or panic during treatment
Embarrassment over dental neglect
Distrust in authority figures or medical personnel
Fear of being judged or not believed
Avoiding care leads to worsened oral health, which can reinforce shame and anxietycreating a cycle thats difficult to break without specialized support.
What Is Trauma-Informed Dentistry?
Trauma-informed care is an approach that acknowledges the presence of past trauma and actively works to avoid re-traumatization. In a dental context, it means:
Prioritizing emotional safety and patient autonomy
Building trust through clear, compassionate communication
Allowing patients to set boundaries and control the pace of care
Using non-triggering language and gentle techniques
Offering options like sedation dentistry when appropriate
At McLevin Dental, our entire team is trained to support patients with complex emotional backgrounds, including those healing from abuse.
How We Support Survivors at McLevin Dental
If you are a survivor of domestic violence, heres how we tailor our care to make you feel safe and empowered:
1. Confidential Conversations
You can share as muchor as littleas you feel comfortable with. We provide a private, judgment-free space to discuss past experiences that may affect your care.
2. Empowered Consent
You will never undergo a procedure without fully understanding and agreeing to it. We explain every step, use non-coercive language, and ask for permission before making physical contact.
3. Personalized Coping Plans
We help you identify specific triggers and build a custom care plan that may include:
Choosing the gender of your provider
Using a signal to pause treatment
Taking breaks during longer appointments
Bringing a trusted support person
Avoiding certain tools or positions that feel unsafe
4. Sedation Options for Anxiety Relief
For patients with trauma-induced dental phobia, we offer sedation options such as:
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild relaxation
Oral sedation for deeper calm during longer procedures
Sedation helps you receive the care you need while keeping anxiety and panic at bay.
5. Body-Aware Positioning and Touch
We pay close attention to how your body is positioned and avoid any unnecessary contact. If lying flat or certain procedures cause distress, we make adjustments to respect your physical and emotional comfort.
Tips for Survivors Seeking Dental Care
If you are a survivor of domestic violence and need dental care, consider these steps to ease anxiety and take back control:
1. Start with a Consultation
Request a no-treatment consultation to meet the team, discuss your needs, and assess your comfort with the clinics environment.
2. Write Down Your Needs and Boundaries
If speaking about trauma is difficult, write a short note to give to your provider outlining:
Specific fears or triggers
Preferred communication styles
Boundaries or requests
Coping strategies that help you feel safe
3. Bring a Trusted Companion
If allowed, bring someone with you who can advocate on your behalf or provide emotional support before, during, or after your visit.
4. Take Control of the Pace
Let your provider know how fast or slow youd like to go. You can request breaks, stop treatment at any time, or opt for multiple shorter visits rather than one long session.
5. Practice Self-Care Before and After Appointments
Schedule time to relax before your appointment, and give yourself space to recover afterward. Activities like deep breathing, journaling, or therapy can help process the experience.
Healing Through Gentle, Consistent Care
Dental care shouldnt feel like another traumait should be a step toward healing. When survivors receive compassionate, respectful treatment, they begin to rebuild trust in their bodies, their choices, and their providers.
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we dont just fix teethwe build relationships grounded in empathy and empowerment. We understand that healing looks different for everyone, and were here to walk alongside you, at your pace.
Final Thoughts
Survivors of domestic violence deserve access to dental care that honors their experiences and protects their emotional well-being. Dental anxiety rooted in trauma is realand its valid. But with trauma-informed practices, gentle communication, and respect for autonomy, care can become a place of reconnection, not retraumatization.