Challenging dentistry to recognize and respond to family violence.

Few studies have examined efforts to engage the dental community about roles and responsibilities in recognizing and responding to family violence through targeted educational programs. Evaluation of the Dental Professionals Against Violence course showed 1,213 dental professionals gained knowledge and confidence about identifying and appropriately responding where abuse/violence in patients was suspected. Practice changes included increased awareness of signs and symptoms of abuse among patients and application of the training materials for office staff.